US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have been seen lighting candles in remembrance of the October 7 anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. The Bidens were joined by a Rabbi for a solemn yahrzeit candle lighting ceremony, where the candles burn for 24 hours to honour the memory of those lost in the tragic event.
In a statement, President Biden expressed his unwavering support for the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel. He reiterated the US’s commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself against threats from groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran. President Biden also highlighted the recent assistance provided by the US military in defending Israel against an Iranian ballistic missile attack.
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 individuals in Gaza, with 101 still being held there. Since then, nearly 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli retaliatory strikes in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The commemorative candle-lighting ceremony serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity in the face of tragedy and conflict. The Bidens’ participation in this event underscores the importance of honouring the past while working towards a more peaceful and secure future for all those affected by violence and unrest in the region.