Biden marks Holocaust Remembrance Day in Washington, D.C.

Published: May. 8, 2024 at 3:24 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - At a Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to remember the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust, President Biden forcefully condemned the rise of antisemitism globally and across the country.

“This hatred continues to lie deep in the hearts of too many people in the world and requires our continued vigilance and outspokenness,” said President Biden. He went on, “That hatred was brought to life on October 17th, 2023, on a sacred Jewish holiday. The terrorist group Hamas unleashed the deadliest day of the Jewish people since the Holocaust.”

The President has walked a tightrope in the seven months since the Israel-Hamas war began. While he urged Israel to exercise restraint in its offensive against Hamas inside Gaza, he has also voiced strong support for Israel — particularly after the deadly Hamas terrorist attack last October.

“Hamas unleashed this terror. It was Hamas that brutalized Israelis. It was Hamas who took and continues to hold hostages. I have not forgotten, nor have you. And we will not forget,” said Biden.

Over the past few months, Biden has faced strong criticism over his support for Israel, particularly from progressives within his party. Tuesday, he left no doubt of his Administration’s unwavering alliance with the Jewish state.