President Biden said what is happening in Gaza is not genocide and reiterated his support for Israel by hosting a White House celebration for American Jewish Heritage Month on Monday.
Biden addressed dozens of guests gathered in the Rose Garden, where he rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, criticized an International Criminal Court request for a warrant against Israeli leaders for war crimes and pledged support for Israel in its war against Hamas.
“I know today’s reception represents difficult times. The trauma of October 7th and its aftermath… is still fresh and ongoing for many of you,” Biden said, referring to Hamas attacks last year that killed more than 1,000 Israelis.
“Let me be clear: contrary to the allegations against Israel made by the International Court of Justice, what is happening is not genocide. We reject this,” he added. “And we will always stand with Israel on threats against its security.”
Other Biden officials in recent weeks have rejected the suggestion that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and left many without access to adequate food, water and medicine, is genocide.
Guests at Monday’s reception included Attorney General Merrick Garland, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.). Biden also recognized the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American who is being held hostage by Hamas.
Biden said his administration is working to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages who were taken on Oct. 7, “and we’re going to get them home.”
The president has tried to tread a cautious line in his approach to Israel in recent weeks, defending its right to respond to Hamas and repeatedly condemning anti-Semitism in the wake of the attack. But at the same time, he also calls on Israel to allow more aid to Gaza and urges the country to do more to protect civilians.
On Monday, Biden was firm in his support for Israel.
“We support Israel to eliminate Sinwar and the rest of the Hamas butchers,” Biden said, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. “We want Hamas to be defeated. We work with Israel to make that happen.”
The president also condemned instances of anti-Semitism on college campuses and elsewhere, which have risen sharply in the months since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel.
“In America, we respect and protect the fundamental rights of free speech to peacefully protest. This is America,” Biden said. “But there is no place on any campus in America, anywhere in America, for anti-Semitism or hate speech of any kind against Jews or anyone else.”
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish and has been at the forefront of White House efforts to combat anti-Semitism, also addressed the crowd on Monday.
Emhoff told attendees that “no one is fighting harder to combat hate and unite our country” than Biden and Vice President Harris. But he acknowledged the difficulties that many Jews across the country, including himself, have faced privately in recent months.
“Some days it’s really challenging for me to show up here and do this work publicly. And I know it’s hard for you too,” Emhoff said. “But we keep fighting because we have no choice but to fight.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
