Trump, Kamala Harris/ Hamas attack anniversary/ U.S.-Israel relations/ Middle East conflict/ Jewish voters/ Newslooks/ FORT LAUDERDALE/ FLORIDA/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris marked the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, honoring the memory of the 1,200 victims, including 46 Americans. Each candidate held events expressing support for Israel and highlighting different policy approaches as the Middle East conflict escalates.
Trump and Harris Mark Hamas Attack Anniversary: Quick Looks
- Anniversary Memorials: Trump addresses Jewish leaders in Florida, while Harris plants a commemorative tree.
- Policy Critiques: Trump criticizes Biden and Harris for policies he claims strengthened Iran.
- Harris’s Diplomatic Stance: She affirms U.S.-Israel ties, avoiding direct commentary on Israeli leadership.
- Middle East Conflict: Both candidates emphasize support for Israel amid escalating violence.
- Jewish Voter Concerns: Jewish leaders highlight vulnerability amid rising conflict and the importance of U.S.-Israel alliances.
Trump and Harris Honor Victims on Anniversary of Oct. 7 Hamas Attack
Deep Look
As the anniversary of the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel arrives, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris each commemorated the occasion, honoring the 1,200 victims and underscoring the importance of U.S.-Israel relations. This somber day arrives amid heightened conflict in the Middle East, adding urgency to both Trump and Harris’s campaign messaging as they vie for the presidency.
Trump is scheduled to address Jewish community leaders at his resort in Doral, Florida, just outside Miami. His remarks are expected to reiterate his longstanding support for Israel and to critique the Biden administration’s policies, which he argues have emboldened Iran and undermined Israel’s security.
Meanwhile, Harris, joined by her husband Doug Emhoff, marked the anniversary with a private ceremony at the Vice President’s residence, where she planted a pomegranate tree in honor of the lives lost, including 46 U.S. citizens. Emhoff, who is Jewish, recited a traditional prayer as part of a memorial organized with the American Jewish Committee, symbolizing the administration’s commitment to Israel’s security and to the American Jewish community.
Trump’s Stance and Criticism of Democratic Policies
In his remarks, Trump has continued to criticize the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to Iran, arguing that it has empowered the Iranian regime to threaten Israel. Trump’s criticism also seeks to capitalize on divisions within the Democratic Party, where some progressive members have voiced opposition to Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties.
However, Trump’s recent statements, including his assertion that Jewish voters who support Democrats “should have their head examined,” have sparked controversy. Additionally, his past associations with individuals who have made antisemitic remarks, such as Nick Fuentes and Kanye West, have raised concerns within some Jewish communities.
During his last campaign, Trump clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the latter’s early congratulations to President Biden in 2020, following Trump’s disputed loss. Trump’s relationship with Netanyahu was further strained when Trump criticized the Israeli leader for being “unprepared” for the Oct. 7 attack last year. Despite this, both leaders have recently engaged in discussions about reaching a cease-fire in Gaza, an issue that resonates deeply with Jewish Americans.
Harris’s Diplomatic Approach and Commitment to U.S.-Israel Relations
Harris, who has consistently voiced support for Israel’s defense, has avoided sharp criticism of Israeli leadership. In a recent interview excerpt from CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Harris refrained from labeling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as a close ally, instead emphasizing the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Israel. “Do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? The answer is yes,” she stated.
Halie Soifer, a former national security advisor to Harris and current head of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, affirmed that Harris’s actions align with a strong commitment to Israel. Soifer highlighted that Harris and President Biden have ordered U.S. military forces to intercept Iranian missiles targeting Israel on several occasions over the past year, a clear indication of the administration’s defensive support for Israel amid heightened regional tensions.
Jewish Voter Sentiment Amid Middle Eastern Conflict
The continued violence in Israel and Gaza, alongside growing concerns over Iran’s influence, has intensified anxieties within the American Jewish community. Soifer pointed to the “sense of vulnerability and concern for Israel’s future,” which many Jewish voters feel as they weigh the candidates’ approaches to foreign policy and national security.
As the Middle Eastern conflict unfolds, both Trump and Harris aim to strengthen their appeal among Jewish Americans by expressing support for Israel. With Election Day approaching, each candidate will likely continue to stress their commitment to ensuring Israel’s security while addressing the broader complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
