U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a reception at the White House to mark Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, while emphasizing the rise of antisemitism in the United States and abroad in the context of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. During the event, Biden firmly stated that the United States will continue to provide military assistance to Israel as long as Hamas remains a threat. He underscored his commitment to the security of the Jewish people and Israel s right to exist as an independent Jewish state.
The president also affirmed his Zionism, emphasizing that one does not need to be Jewish to support the cause. He highlighted Israel s importance for the security of Jews worldwide. First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also attended the event, which brought together nearly 800 guests, including Holocaust survivors, members of Congress, state and local officials, artists, and leaders from various Jewish religious denominations.
However, ahead of the event, protests took place outside the White House, with a group of women identifying as Jewish elders expressing their opposition while chained to the fence. They wore black T-shirts with the inscription Not in Our Name and called for a ceasefire, condemning human losses in Gaza.
