In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced criticism for her response to a question regarding the President’s concerns about antisemitism.
Jean-Pierre was asked about President Joe Biden’s “level of concern” about a potential rise in antisemitism due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The press secretary answered that she had not seen “any credible threats” and then pointed out that “Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks.”
However, the following day, she began the press briefing with a more than 100-word statement to address and correct the previous day’s concerns.
She admitted that she misheard the question on Monday, Oct. 23 when she downplayed the rise of antisemitism and pointed to Muslim-Americans being targeted instead.
Jean-Pierre opened her statement by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and condemning antisemitism unequivocally.
She stated:
“When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or their identity, when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism, and that is unacceptable.”
“There is no place for antisemitism. Full stop. Period. This is important to the President, it’s important to me personally, and to everyone in the administration. Following the Hamas terror attacks in Israel, which were the deadliest for Jews since the Holocaust, the President has been consistent and clear. We must all do our part and forcefully speak out against antisemitism.”
However, during her statement, Jean-Pierre seemed to imply that antisemitism needed to be addressed alongside other forms of hatred, saying, “We must ensure that there is no place for hate in America. Not against Jews. Not against Muslims. Not against Arab Americans. Not against Palestinian-Americans. Not against anyone.”
The press briefing highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing antisemitism and fostering an environment of inclusivity, while some have raised concerns about how antisemitism is discussed in conjunction with other forms of hatred.
ShineMyCrown reported previously that on Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023, Jean-Pierre described comments by some Democratic members of Congress about Israel’s reprisal attack on Gaza as “repugnant”.
Jean-Pierre told reporters that “there are not two sides” when it comes to the attack on Israel by Hamas.
Already, a trio of members of the left-wing ‘Squad’ — Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush — are under fire for their reactions to the heinous attacks, which have killed at least 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians.
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