"Deadliest Day for Jews Since the Holocaust": Biden Pledges to Bring Home US Hostages, Mourns Loss of Lives

President Biden met with American Jewish leaders at the White House, calling the brutal Hamas strike against Israel "the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust." Describing the attack as "a campaign of pure cruelty," Biden vowed to do everything in his power to bring home the US hostages held by Hamas, while also acknowledging the gravity of the crisis. His words were met with applause from the gathered leaders, many of whom were visibly shaken by the events unfolding in Israel.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 22 American citizens were among the dead in the Hamas attack, with 17 others remaining missing, some of whom were reportedly seized by Hamas.
• Biden acknowledged the US role in the crisis, stating that the fate of the American hostages has been a central preoccupation of US officials since the surprise attack on Saturday.
• The Biden administration has sent hostage specialists to Israel to aid in the recovery efforts, and White House officials are working on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including deploying experts to advise and assist.
• Biden emphasized his commitment to finding a way to bring the US hostages home, saying "I have not given up hope of bringing these folks home," but added that he did not want to provide specifics to maintain the chances of their rescue.
• The president's comments came during a meeting convened by Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has made fighting antisemitism a central focus of his time in the administration.
• Biden also referenced his own family tragedies, saying "I know a little bit of what it's like to feel loss, lose people you adore, get a phone call saying, 'They're gone,'" and offered words of comfort to those suffering.

Statistics:

• At least 22 American citizens were among the dead in the Hamas attack in Israel.
• 17 American citizens remain missing after the attack, some of whom were reportedly seized by Hamas.
• The Hamas attack has resulted in over 1,200 deaths, with the death toll continuing to rise.
• The Biden administration has sent hostage specialists to Israel to aid in the recovery efforts.
• The event at the White House was convened by Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• PHOTOGRAPH BY KENT NISHIMURA FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES