President Joe Biden held a brief memorial ceremony on Monday in commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Alongside First Lady Jill Biden and Rabbi Aaron Alexander of DC’s Adas Israel Congregation, Biden lit a candle in remembrance of the nearly 1,200 people killed during the attack, reaffirming the US-Israel alliance as the resulting war in Gaza rages on.
The candle-lighting, held in the White House’s Blue Room, lasted only a few minutes, during which Alexander offered a traditional Jewish prayer known as “El Malei Rachamim,” or “God of Mercy.” The prayer is often recited for the souls of the recently departed during burial or at a memorial service.
Following the prayer, Biden lit a Yahrzeit candle, followed by a moment of silence to conclude the ceremony.
Join the First Lady and me as we mark one year since Hamas' brutal October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel and participate in a yahrzeit candle lighting. https://t.co/bKmtgX1PUa
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2024
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The president did not deliver remarks during the ceremony, but an accompanying statement emphasized the Biden administration’s continued commitment to supporting Israel, securing the return of those still held hostage, and upholding the Jewish homeland’s right to self-defense.
“On this day last year, the sun rose on what was supposed to be a joyous Jewish holiday. By sunset, October 7 had become the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Biden said. “Today marks one year of mourning for the more than 1,200 innocent people of all ages, including 46 Americans, massacred in southern Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. One year since Hamas committed horrific acts of sexual violence. One year since more than 250 innocents were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. One year for the survivors carrying wounds, seen and unseen, who will never be the same. And one year of a devastating war.”
“On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7th attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day.”
My statement marking one year since the unspeakable brutality of the October 7th attacks by Hamas in Israel: pic.twitter.com/KremdJODAd
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2024
“One year later, Vice President Harris and I remain fully committed to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist. We support Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran,” he continued. “Last week, at my direction, the United States military once again actively assisted in the successful defense of Israel, helping to defeat an Iranian ballistic missile attack.”
Biden also commented on the rise of antisemitism both in the United States and around the world, urging to country to stand united “against hate in all its forms.” The president’s statement came just after a survey from the Jewish-led Anti-Defamation League found a record 200% increase in antisemitic incidents in the year since October 7.
Biden’s statement concluded by noting the death toll on the Palestinian side of the conflict as well, which is estimated to have reached as high as 42,000.
“Far too many civilians have suffered far too much during this year of conflict — and tens of thousands have been killed, a human toll made far worse by terrorists hiding and operating among innocent people. We will not stop working to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza that brings the hostages home, allows for a surge in humanitarian aid to ease the suffering on the ground, assures Israel’s security, and ends this war,” the president said. “Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live in security, dignity, and peace. We also continue to believe that a diplomatic solution across the Israel-Lebanon border region is the only path to restore lasting calm and allow residents on both sides to return safely to their homes.”
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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