President Joe Biden reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel and pledged to continue working to free all remaining hostages during the White House Hanukkah reception Monday night, ABC News reported.
"I know this year's Hanukkah falls on the hearts that are still very heavy. It's the second Hanukkah since the horrors of Oct. 7. Over 1,000 slaughtered, hundreds taken hostage, unspeakable sexual violence, and so much more. The trauma of that day and its aftermath is still raw and ongoing," Biden said at the East Room gathering.
The president highlighted his administration's efforts in securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. "I've gotten over 100 hostages out. I will not stop until I get every single one of them home," he said.
Speaking about the rise in antisemitic incidents, Biden emphasized his longstanding commitment to Israel. "I've said many times before, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent nation-state remains ironclad," he declared.
During his remarks, Biden shared a personal tradition of taking each of his grandchildren to concentration camps in Europe to ensure they understand the Holocaust's magnitude. "I wanted them to know that you couldn't pretend it didn't happen, and it should never happen again," he explained.
The president, reiterating a sentiment he has expressed throughout his career, added: "And so I learned a long time ago, you don't have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. I'm a Zionist."
The Hanukkah reception followed Sunday's Democratic National Committee holiday event, where Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, reflected on his administration's impact. "The one thing I've always believed about public service, and especially about the presidency, is the importance of asking yourself: 'Have we left the country in better shape than we found it?'" Biden said.
"Today, I can say, with every fiber of my being, of all my heart, the answer to that question is a resounding 'yes.' Because of all of you assembled here, we can be proud we're leaving America in a better place today than we came here four years ago," Biden said.
