Biden To Address Surge in Antisemitism Amid Campus Protests.

By Caroline Ameh

US President Joe Biden is set to confront the escalating issue of antisemitism in the United States, particularly on university campuses, as tensions persist over the conflict in Gaza, on Tuesday.

Scheduled to deliver a speech at a Holocaust remembrance ceremony, Biden aims to underscore the imperative of combating antisemitism and outline strategies to address its resurgence.

Against the backdrop of police interventions to dismantle protest encampments across the nation, Biden’s upcoming address signifies a pivotal moment in acknowledging and confronting the rise of antisemitism.
Organizers of these demonstrations have been accused of fostering an atmosphere of intimidation and hate speech, allegations they vehemently deny. Concurrently, they have reported instances of Islamophobic and racist remarks directed towards them by counter-demonstrators.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre disclosed that Biden’s speech will emphasize the nation’s moral obligation to combat the “scourge of antisemitism.” Speaking ahead of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s annual remembrance event, Jean-Pierre highlighted the alarming escalation of antisemitic incidents, particularly in cities, communities, and on college campuses, in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Biden is anticipated to unveil plans for a national strategy to counter antisemitism, underscoring the centrality of this issue to his presidency.

The surge in antisemitic incidents has been palpable, with Jewish students across the US reporting an uptick in harassment and discrimination.

According to data from the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents surged by 321% on university campuses in the final quarter of 2023 alone.

Amid these developments, the president’s address seeks to address concerns raised by Jewish students, including instances of being labeled “murderers” and facing demands to “go back to Poland.” The backdrop of these incidents has been the eruption of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, such as the one at Columbia University, where a protest encampment catalyzed a series of events culminating in clashes with authorities.

While advocating for peaceful protests, Biden has underscored the need to respect the law and refrain from violence and destruction of property. He has condemned hate speech and violence in all its forms, whether it targets Jewish, Muslim, or Arab American communities.

The Biden administration’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict has been met with criticism from both progressives and Republicans. Progressives have accused Biden of not doing enough to end the fighting, while Republicans have criticized his attempts to limit Israel’s actions and delay addressing the protests.

In addition to Biden’s keynote speech, bipartisan congressional leaders and Holocaust survivors are set to address the memorial ceremony, underscoring the bipartisan commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving the memory of the Holocaust.

The event, to be held in Emancipation Hall at the US Capitol in Washington DC, signifies a collective effort to confront the resurgence of antisemitism in the United States.