Biden calls attacks against the Jewish community ‘despicable’
U.S. President Joe Biden commented on the violence against Jewish communities on Monday after a string of attacks amid the conflict between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers, “The recent attacks on the Jewish community are despicable, and they must stop. I condemn this hateful behavior at home and abroad — it’s up to all of us to give hate no safe harbor,”
Not only abroad, but physical and verbal assaults were also reported against Jews in New York City, Los Angeles, and South Florida during the 11 days of fighting in the region which lead to five major Jewish groups urging the President to call out antisemitism.“
The perpetrators of these attacks deliberately targeted Jewish institutions and individuals for no other reason than their religion, justifying it with age-old antisemitic tropes, exaggerated claims, and inflammatory rhetoric,” said a letter signed by the American Jewish Committee.
The Anti-Defamation League, Hadassah, Jewish Federations of North America and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America commented on numerous antisemitic incidents around the world and the U.S. and recommended specific measures such as fighting hate on college campuses and increased security for vulnerable religious institutions undergoing violence.
“The demonization of Israel is clearly sparking this rise in antisemitism. It must be stopped,” wrote Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the United States as he hoped the assailants were given their due justice and hate crimes deterred.
