Biden Weighs In On Attacks Against Jews, Calls Them ‘Despicable’
Michael Cantrell
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President Joe Biden has now officially condemned anti-Semitic attacks against the Jewish communities located in the United States and in other countries around the world as being “despicable.” The attacks took place during the 11 days of violence that exploded between Israel and Hamas.
Both physical and verbal attacks against Jews in New York, Los Angeles, and South Florida, all during the conflict in the Middle East region.
“The recent attacks on the Jewish community are despicable, and they must stop. I condemn this hateful behavior at home and abroad — it’s up to all of us to give hate no safe harbor,” Biden said in a short message posted on Twitter.
Gilad Erdan, who currently serves as the Israeli ambassador to the United States responded with a tweet giving Biden thanks for his response and said he hopes those responsible are brought to justice and future crimes like these deterred.
“The demonization of Israel is clearly sparking this rise in antisemitism. It must be stopped,” Erdan said in his post.
Five major Jewish groups urged Biden on Friday to call out antisemitism and recommended specific actions, including fighting hate on college campuses and enhanced security for religious institutions.
In a letter, the groups said there have been numerous antisemitic incidents around the world and in the United States, including on social media, since the Gaza conflict began.
“The perpetrators of these attacks deliberately targeted Jewish institutions and individuals for no other reason than their religion, justifying it with age-old antisemitic tropes, exaggerated claims, and inflammatory rhetoric,” the letter read.
The letter was signed by the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, Hadassah, Jewish Federations of North America and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.
Joseph Borgen, 29, said he was attacked in New York’s Times Square on Thursday night by a group of people who shouted antisemitic slurs at him. A video of the attack on Borgen, who wore a Jewish skullcap, was broadcast repeatedly on cable news television at the weekend.
“As long as more and more awareness can be brought to this issue, hopefully, some positive change can be made,” Borgen said while doing an interview with CNN on Monday.
One man was arrested and several others are currently being sought in connection with the attack.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, has now entered its fourth day. According to reports from medical officials, 248 people in Gaza have died already.
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