U.S. President Joe Biden will deliver the keynote address at an annual ceremony commemorating the Holocaust on May 7, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced on Wednesday, after he signed a proclamation declaring May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Biden will address "the rising scourge of antisemitism," she said.
“For centuries, the perseverance, hope, and unshakeable faith of the Jewish people have inspired people around the world. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact of Jewish values, contributions, and culture on our Nation’s character and recommit to realizing the promise of America for all Jewish Americans,” Biden said in his proclamation
“Here at home, too many Jews live with deep pain and fear from the ferocious surge of antisemitism — in our communities; at schools, places of worship, and colleges; and across social media,” he said. “These acts are despicable and echo the worst chapters of human history.”
The announcement comes amid anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.
"Students have the right to feel safe. They have the right to learn, they have the right to do this without disruption and they have a right to feel safe," Biden said.
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A protester waves Palestinian flag during student occupation of Columbia University building
(Photo: Stephani Spindel / EPA)
Mounting tensions on U.S. campuses boiled over on Wednesday when pro-Israel supporters attacked an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA, hours after police arrested activists who occupied a building at Columbia University and flattened a tent city on its campus.