As the presidential race heats up, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are observing the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that claimed 1,200 lives, including 46 Americans, the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust. Both leaders took part in memorial events, acknowledging the loss and expressing their political stances as the Middle East conflict deepens.
Donald Trump visited the gravesite of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the influential leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Later, Trump addressed Jewish community leaders at his resort in Doral, Florida, where he reflected on the victims and shared his continued support for Israel. Trump also criticized the Biden-Harris administration, blaming them for the war in Gaza by emboldening Iran.
Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, planted a pomegranate tree at the vice president’s residence to honor the lives lost. Emhoff, who is Jewish, also attended a prayer event in Washington organized by the American Jewish Committee, emphasizing peace and remembrance.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted a solemn ceremony at the White House, with Rabbi Aaron Alexander leading the Jewish remembrance prayer. The Bidens paid tribute to the victims of the attack and renewed their commitment to supporting Israel amid ongoing violence in the region.
Since the attack, Israel has launched an aggressive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, with 41,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The conflict has expanded as Hezbollah from Lebanon and Iran escalate tensions, prompting U.S. military involvement to protect Israel from missile strikes.
Trump has accused the Biden-Harris administration of mishandling the Middle East, particularly for its approach to Iran. Trump has also used the conflict to stir divisions within the Democratic Party, as progressive voices oppose Israel’s military actions. Despite his support for Israel, Trump has been criticized for associating with individuals like Nick Fuentes and Ye (Kanye West), who have made antisemitic statements.
In a recent interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, Harris stressed the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance, without directly commenting on her relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Harris reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations and emphasized ongoing U.S. support for Israel’s defense.
