In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, President Joe Biden declared on Tuesday that a ceasefire agreement had been brokered between Israel and Hezbollah, with the ball now in Hamas’ court. “I’ve reiterated time and time again my unwavering commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel. The right of Israel to exist as an independent nation-state is steadfast,” Biden affirmed.
During his address, President Biden recounted a poignant personal experience of taking each of his grandchildren to visit concentration camps in Europe, a solemn journey aimed at educating them on the atrocities of the Holocaust. “I wanted them to grasp the undeniable reality of history, to comprehend that such horrors must never be allowed to recur,” Biden shared.
Reflecting on his long-standing beliefs, Biden emphasized, “I’ve long understood that one need not be Jewish to uphold the principles of Zionism. I stand unwaveringly as a Zionist,” echoing a sentiment he has consistently expressed throughout his political career.
Accompanied by a photo capturing the moment, President Biden’s remarks were delivered during a Hanukkah reception held in the East Room of the White House in Washington on December 16, 2024.
Biden and Harris Encourage Democrats to Stay Hopeful at DNC Holiday Gathering
Following his solemn address on the ceasefire agreement, President Biden shifted gears the following evening as he and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a holiday reception for the Democratic National Committee. The event served as an opportunity for Biden, whose term in office was drawing to a close, to reflect on his legacy and the enduring impact he aimed to leave on the nation.
“One fundamental belief I have always held about public service, particularly the presidency, is the imperative of assessing whether we have made our country better than we found it,” Biden articulated passionately during the Sunday evening event.
With conviction, Biden declared, “Today, I can emphatically affirm with every fiber of my being, with all my heart, that the answer to that question is a resounding ‘yes.’ Through the collective efforts of all those gathered here, we can take pride in the fact that we are leaving America in a more favorable state today than it was four years ago.”
Reflecting on the significance of his administration’s achievements, Biden underscored a pivotal moment on October 7 in his commitment to bringing hostages home safely, drawing attention to the enduring values of compassion and diplomacy.
