Biden marks Passover with statement of ‘ironclad’ support for Israel

President Biden marked the coming of Passover in a message Sunday, tying the Jewish holiday to the Israel-Hamas war and doubling down on his support for Israel in the conflict.

“This holiday reminds us of a profound and powerful truth: that even in the face of persecution, if we hold on to faith, we shall endure and overcome,” Biden wrote. “We can never forget the horror of Hamas’ despicable atrocities.”

“My commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is ironclad,” he continued.

In the face of rising criticism against the Israeli military operation in Gaza from Democrats, Biden committed again to pursuing a temporary cease-fire agreement to free hostages held by Hamas.

Negotiations have mostly stalled in attempts to free the approximately 100 people believed to be held by the group, as the Israeli military approaches an invasion of Rafah — despite harsh warnings from the Biden administration and others to avoid a ground conflict in the city.

“My Administration is working around the clock to free the hostages, and we will not rest until we bring them home,” he said. “We will continue to work toward a two-state solution that provides equal security, prosperity, and enduring peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”

The message also comes a week after Iran launched hundreds of munitions toward Israel in response to a previous Israeli strike. Almost all the munitions were intercepted before reaching their targets, though the attack raised fears of a wider regional war.

Biden also denounced antisemitism, continuing his administration’s fight against hateful conduct, which experts have warned continues to increase in recent months.

“The ancient story of persecution against Jews in the Haggadah also reminds us that we must speak out against the alarming surge of Antisemitism — in our schools, communities, and online,” he said. “Silence is complicity.”

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