“On this painful anniversary, the United States stands with Israel as it defends itself against terrorism,” declared Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
[Cheonji Ilbo Washington=Reporter Eloise Lee] — October 7
President Biden and the First Lady were joined by a Rabbi for a candle-lighting ceremony at the White House to mark one year since Hamas' October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel.
On that day, more than 1,200 victims were killed, including 46 Americans and citizens from more than 30 countries. Hamas also took 254 people hostage, including 12 Americans.
“Today, one year since the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, we mourn the victims of the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7th,” said the White House. “May their memory be a blessing,” concluded the statement.
During a ceremony at the White House this morning, Rabbi Aaron Alexander of the Adas Israel Congregation, located in Washington DC, recited the “El Malei Rachamin” prayer, often heard at funerals and on the anniversary of a death. He conducted the brief service in Hebrew, switching to English later.
Praying for the men, women and children who were killed on October 7th, Rabbi Alexander said, “For this we pray for the ascent of their souls, may they rest in the Garden of Eden. May their souls be bound up in the bond of everlasting life.”
President Biden lit a “yahrzeit” candle, in memory of the dead. He briefly crossed himself, in the Catholic fashion, and then walked out in silence.
Neither Biden nor his wife spoke during the event to reflect the solemnity of the occasion.
Also this morning, the White House confirmed that President Biden spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and shared his condolences to the people of Israel and to the families of the victims.
Biden stressed that the United States will “never give up” until it brings all the remaining hosts home safely. He also expressed “deep sadness for the loss of innocent life in Gaza and the ongoing suffering of Palestinian civilians” as a result of the war that erupted after the October 7 attacks.