WASHINGTON – Monday marks one year since Hamas militants launched a shocking attack on Israel that killed more than 1,000 civilians, captured hundreds and sparked a near-declared regional war and a deadly U.S. Israeli offensive in Gaza in defiance Months of ceasefire negotiations failed to stop the conflict.
Ahead of the anniversary, there were renewed demonstrations against Israel’s ongoing retaliatory attacks on Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory, including one man who attempted to take down on fire on Sunday outside the White House during an otherwise peaceful protest.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned that synagogues, mosques and vigils could become targets for violent extremists.
President Joe Biden I lit a Christmas candle Monday at the White House with first lady Jill Biden and Rabbi Aaron Alexander of the Washington-based Adas Israel Congregation, who recited a Jewish prayer honoring the deceased.
Biden also spoke by telephone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to express his condolences and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, according to a White House readout of the call.
“On this day last year, the sun rose on what was supposed to be a joyful Jewish holiday. As the sun set, October 7th was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. “Today is a year of mourning for the more than 1,200 innocent people of all ages, including 46 Americans, who were massacred in southern Israel by the terrorist group Hamas,” Biden said in a statement early Monday, also acknowledging the “horrific acts of sexual violence “Hamas.”
Twelve Americans were among the hostages taken by force by the militants and are still being held, although many have died in captivity.
The last 12 months have been marked by protests against the USA escalate Weapons deliveries to Israel since the attack. Health officials in Gaza say over 41,000 people have been killed in the attacks, which critics say are indiscriminate against civilians. However, Israel maintains that the attacks targeted Hamas, an ally of Iran.
Before Biden rejected his bid for re-election, Biden’s campaign rallies were regularly interrupted by protesters who accused the president of supporting “genocide” against Palestinians.
A pomegranate tree as hope
The chanting of demonstrators and sirens was heard Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff on Monday honored the victims of Oct. 7 by planting a pomegranate tree, an critical symbol of the Jewish faith, at the vice president’s residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington. according to reporters present.
Harris said in brief remarks that “we must remain true to our commitment to restoring the world” and “work to alleviate the immense suffering of the innocent Palestinians in Gaza who have suffered so much pain and loss throughout the year.”
“In the years to come, this pomegranate tree will stand here, spreading its roots and growing stronger, to remind future vice presidents of the United States, their families, and all who pass through these grounds not only of the horror of October 7th, but also of the…” strength and endurance of the Jewish people. It will remind us all not to give up on the goal of peace, dignity and security for all, and it will remind us all to always believe in it,” Harris said.
Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. president or vice president, said he was “still full of pain and despair.”
In response to a shouted question about a ceasefire, Harris replied: “We are not giving up. We are doing everything we can to enforce the hostage ceasefire agreement. This is one of the most important ways to end this war and bring stability to the region. It is one of this government’s top priorities.”
Earlier in the day, Harris issued a statement saying she would “never forget the horror that occurred on this day last year.”
“Women raped on the side of the road. 250 people kidnapped. … What Hamas did that day was pure evil – it was brutal and disgusting,” she said.
Harris has repeatedly stated that her commitment to Israel’s security is “unwavering.”
Schumer at the synagogue in Brooklyn
New York Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spent the morning at his Brooklyn synagogue continuing to call for the release of hostages.
“When I traveled to Israel days after October 7 to express American solidarity with the Israeli people and Israel’s right to self-defense, we met with the families of the American victims of the Hamas attack. I will never forget the meeting. “I still remember one of the family members telling me that every minute is an hour, every day is a year, not knowing the fate of their loved ones held captive by Hamas,” Schumer said in a statement.
“We must not and cannot relax our efforts to bring the hostages home. It’s been a long time.”
Schumer, who held a robust seat in the Senate in March criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of Israel’s retaliatory bombing of the Gaza Strip acknowledged the death of American Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was murdered after nearly 11 months in captivity. Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage when Hamas militants terrorized and killed hundreds at a desert music festival as part of their surprise attack.
The Senate Majority Leader also listed the names of several of his New York constituents who remain in captivity, including three whose bodies Hamas has not returned.
GOP criticizes Biden and Harris
The Republican National Committee held a “commemorative press call” ahead of former President Donald Trump’s attendance at an Oct. 7 memorial event in Miami, Florida, on Monday evening.
The call focused largely on blaming Biden and Harris for the horrific Hamas attack and the rise in anti-Semitism.
(*7*) said Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign’s national press secretary.
On the call, former Florida Democratic congressman Peter Deutsch announced his support for Trump for president.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said time “has not lessened the pain inflicted on the people of Israel a year ago today, nor has it lessened the grief it left behind.”
“October 7 confronted the world with the incurable evil of Iran-backed terror and brought emboldened forms of the world’s oldest hatreds out of the shadows,” the Kentucky Republican continued in a statement released Monday.
McConnell’s comments did not mention Biden, Harris or Trump.
House Speaker Mike Johnson released a video with footage of the Hamas attack and clips of him shaking hands with Netanyahu, the Israeli leader visited the Capitol to address a joint session of Congress.
“The terror and anti-Semitism we have experienced have required full resolve from American leaders, which is why Congress passed legislation in the spring to provide Israel with the military aid and support it needs,” Johnson, of Louisiana, said in a statement .
“Today, at this critical time, in the wake of a second direct attack by Iran and the ongoing terror of Hezbollah, Americans must insist that the Biden-Harris administration stands unequivocally with Israel and against the terrorist regime in Iran as we continue to pray for peace and “security in Israel,” Johnson continued.
Johnson’s video also included footage of protesters carrying Palestinian flags on campus and of him speaking at Columbia University.
In the months following the Oct. 7 attack, House Republicans focused on anti-war camps and demonstrations at college campuses — some, but not all, marked by blatant anti-Semitism and violence. The party continues to praise GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik heated questioning in December over anti-Semitism against Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania and Claudine Gay of Harvard University, which contributed to the resignation of both university presidents.
