Vice President Kamala Harris commemorated the one-year anniversary of Hamas' attacks on Israel by planting a symbolic pomegranate tree at her residence at the Naval Observatory. The pomegranate tree, often associated with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, served as a poignant gesture of remembrance.
In her remarks, Harris reflected on the significance of the Jewish prayer for mourning, the Kaddish, emphasizing its message of enduring faith in God even during the darkest moments. She urged for a steadfast commitment to faith and hope in the face of adversity.
Harris acknowledged the delicate balance the Biden-Harris administration has sought to maintain, advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas while expressing concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Gaza. She reiterated the administration's commitment to supporting Israel's defense needs while advocating for the release of all hostages, including American citizens.
Highlighting the importance of repairing the world and alleviating the suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, Harris emphasized the shared responsibility across faiths to address the pain and loss experienced by individuals in the region.
Accompanied by her husband, Doug Emhoff, who has been actively engaged in combating antisemitism, Harris reiterated the administration's dedication to fighting hate and discrimination. Emhoff emphasized the vice president's encouragement in using his platform to combat antisemitism and promote tolerance.
