President Joe Biden is set to deliver a keynote address at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s annual Days of Remembrance ceremony, where he will honor the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and reaffirm the commitment to combat antisemitism. This comes at a critical juncture as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, with a looming threat of an Israeli military invasion into the Gazan city of Rafah.
Biden's longstanding support for Israel has faced scrutiny as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, leading to a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the US. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 140% rise in antisemitic incidents from 2022 to 2023, with younger Americans showing a higher tendency to endorse anti-Jewish tropes.
The Biden administration has strongly condemned antisemitism and Islamophobia, but the ongoing conflict has posed challenges as the president navigates support for Israel while acknowledging the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. The administration has emphasized the need to protect civilians in conflict zones and has cautioned against further escalation.
In response to pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, Biden has affirmed the right to free speech while condemning acts of violence and antisemitism. The administration is taking steps to counter antisemitism, including sending guidance to educational institutions on addressing discrimination and developing online safety resources.
Biden's speech coincides with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, underscoring the importance of remembering the atrocities of the past and combating hatred in all its forms. Despite facing criticism for his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden remains committed to addressing antisemitism and promoting peace in the region.
