President Joe Biden is set to deliver a strong message against the rising tide of antisemitism on Tuesday, against the backdrop of Israel's conflict with Hamas and protests on American college campuses. Biden, known for his longstanding support for Israel, faces increasing pressure amid the crisis in Gaza, where over 34,000 people have died since October 7. Despite efforts to urge Israel to balance self-defense with civilian protection, there are fears of an Israeli military invasion in Rafah, Gaza.
Biden will speak at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum's Days of Remembrance ceremony, honoring the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and reaffirming the commitment to "Never again." The address will also touch on the alarming rise of antisemitism in the US, especially on college campuses.
The president is expected to call for action against antisemitism, acknowledging the need to confront hate speech and actions resulting from protests while defending the right to peaceful demonstration. These remarks continue the White House's condemnation of antisemitism, but come at a challenging time as Biden seeks to maintain his political base in 2024.
Despite Biden's vocal condemnation of antisemitism and Islamophobia, incidents have increased significantly during the conflict. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 140% rise in antisemitic incidents from 2022 to 2023, with younger Americans more likely to endorse anti-Jewish sentiments.
The president will draw a parallel between the Holocaust and current antisemitism, emphasizing the need to confront hatred forcefully. However, he does not intend to delve into Middle East policy or the Gaza situation in his speech. Biden has been actively involved in crafting his speech, offering direct input and guidance to his speechwriting team.
The war in Gaza presents a challenging political landscape for Biden, who faces protests for his support of Israel. As Israel considers a military assault on Rafah, Biden has urged a clear plan to protect civilians. Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel continues operations in Rafah.
Biden's speech coincides with the administration's efforts to address pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and to counter antisemitism nationally. The Department of Education is sending guidance on antisemitic discrimination, Homeland Security is developing campus safety resources, and the State Department is working with tech firms to combat online antisemitic content.
Biden's speech is not designed to contrast with former President Donald Trump but rather to reaffirm his commitment to combating antisemitism and supporting Israel. However, his support for Israel's offensive in Gaza has led to a decline in approval among young voters, posing a challenge for the upcoming general election.