I'm sad that President Biden will be leaving office in a little more than three weeks, and not just because he will be replaced by Donald Trump. He has been so supportive of Jews and Israel since he became President - I very much appreciated his flying to Israel soon after October 7 to show his support. No other president has done that and I can't imagine Donald Trump (or, for that matter, Kamala Harris) expressing his concern in such a personal way.
And as far as I know, he's the only president to send American troops to defend Israel (if I'm wrong, please let me know). Other presidents have certainly sent military aid, even the antisemitic Richard Nixon during the Yom Kippur War (for which I'm very thankful!). Just today US troops using the THAAD missile defense system shot down the Houthi missile that was launched at Israel (see previous blog post).
This doesn't mean that he's always done the right thing with regard to Israel. I think he should have put much more pressure on Netanyahu about the Israeli conduct of the war in Gaza. The New York Times and other news sources have written about how Israel has loosened its rules of engagement in Gaza, resulting in a very high civilian death toll, and probably in some cases violating American rules for what we permit weapons we give or sell to other countries to be used for.
I will certainly miss him for many other reasons. I think he's done a generally good job, and has emphasized the right actions, like industrial policy to rebuild American infrastructure (we finally have Infrastructure Week!) and foster making computer chips and other high tech manufacturing, and the many incentives to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
One of the things I've appreciated is his administration's outreach to the Jewish community. Obviously, other presidential administrations have done this, but his is the first one I've paid much attention to - especially reaching out with briefings in the wake of the October 7 attack and the Gaza war.
Others certainly disagree with me, and my purpose in writing this is not to persuade anyone, but simply to express my personal feelings.
December 27, 2024
Friends,
On the first night of Hanukkah, President Biden lit the official White House Menorah alongside his family. This menorah was made in 2022 from wood salvaged during the Truman-era renovation. The beam of wood sat in storage for 70 years — through 13 presidencies. Today, it shines as a symbol of resilience, honoring the enduring strength of the Jewish people.
At the White House Hanukkah reception, President Biden reflected on this strength: “I know it’s hard to find hope while carrying so much sorrow. But from my perspective, Jewish people have always embodied the duality of pain and joy.”
He also invoked the words of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z'l, whose teachings continue to inspire me personally, and I know so many around the world. “A people that can walk through a valley of shadow of death and still rejoice is a people that cannot be defeated by any force or fear.”
As we celebrate this season of light and miracles, President Biden offered his final Hanukkah message as President. "Hold onto that hope, shine your light, shine the light of optimism, and above all, keep the faith. Keep the faith.”
From all of us at the White House, Chag Hanukkah Sameach — wishing you a joyous and meaningful Hanukkah.Shabbat Shalom,
Shelley GreenspanLiaison to the American Jewish Community
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