Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are marking the first anniversary of the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. The presidential candidates are approaching the final weeks of the campaign amidst a widening conflict in the Middle East.
Trump will address Jewish community leaders at one of his Florida resorts in the Miami suburb of Doral. Harris will briefly speak to journalists and plant a pomegranate tree with her husband at the Vice President's residence in honor of the 1,200 people, including 46 U.S. citizens, who lost their lives in the Oct. 7 attack last year.
Harris' husband, who is Jewish, will recite a prayer at an event commemorating the anniversary with the American Jewish Committee. Trump has criticized both Harris and President Joe Biden for the conflict, attributing it to their administration's policies towards Iran.
Trump's statements on Israel have drawn attention to his associations with individuals known for antisemitic rhetoric. He has also made controversial remarks about Jewish voters who support Democrats.
In an interview excerpt, Harris emphasized the importance of the alliance between the American and Israeli people. Trump's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced challenges, particularly after Netanyahu congratulated President Biden on his victory.
The conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns among Jewish voters about Israel's future. Harris and Biden have reaffirmed their commitment to Israel's defense and have taken action to protect Israel from Iranian missile threats.
As the anniversary of the tragic attack is commemorated, discussions about the U.S. role in the Middle East conflict continue to be a significant part of the political discourse.
