Remarks by the Second Gentleman Marking One Year Since Hamas’s October 7th Terrorist Attacks

Vice President’s ResidenceU.S. Naval ObservatoryWashington, D.C. SECOND GENTLEMAN DOUGLAS EMHOFF: Thank you.As we gather here on what was the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust, I am filled with pain and despair.This is an incredibly challenging day for Jews around the world – myself included.October 7 hit us hard as a community.We are still hurting. And today feels just as raw as it did one year ago.What happened on October 7 is seared into our souls. I can’t stop thinking about the hostages and their families, and all of those we’ve lost over the past year.Earlier today, I attended AJC’s National October 7 Memorial Commemoration at Sixth & I and recited a prayer for peace – that we all see the day soon when this war and bloodshed come to an end.As the first Jewish spouse of an American President or Vice President, I take this role incredibly seriously.Kamala is the one who encouraged me to use the platform I have to fight antisemitism and hate. She’s also the person who encouraged me to lean into my faith.When we first moved into the Residence, we affixed a mezuzah on the doorpost, alongside our family.Now, as we prepare to leave a legacy of our time here, we plant this pomegranate tree to honor this solemn day and for the families who will come after us to enjoy.This is the first tree we planted since moving in, and it will be the first fruit tree ever planted by a Second Family at the Residence. Kamala and I are proud to continue a tradition with symbolic meaning for every family that’s lived here.And it is especially meaningful to me that this property will now always commemorate the pain of the Jewish people, as well as the resilience and hope of the Jewish people. May the memories of those we’ve lost be a blessing.Thank you. The post Remarks by the Second Gentleman Marking One Year Since Hamas’s October 7th Terrorist Attacks appeared first on The White House.