Staff Reports
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has once again failed to address concerns about pro-Hamas protests and the rise of anti-Semitism in America. While she started Monday’s briefing with a stronger condemnation of anti-Semitism, she still struggled to address the issue of these protests.
Jean-Pierre acknowledged the alarming increase in reported anti-Semitic incidents since the Hamas attacks in Israel, but her condemnation did not extend to addressing concerns about the protests. She mentioned monitoring and being concerned about anti-Semitic threats at Cornell University and other campuses, but failed to provide concrete actions to combat the rise of hate-fueled violence.
Karine Jean-Pierre Struggles at the Podium When Asked About Pro-Hamas Protests
https://t.co/D8GjcgR6p3— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 31, 2023
Despite her stronger words on anti-Semitism, Jean-Pierre couldn’t resist mentioning Islamophobia as well. It seems like she can’t denounce one without bringing up the other, diverting attention from the pressing issue at hand. This lack of focus is concerning, as it diminishes the urgency of combating anti-Semitism.
When asked about the anti-Israel protesters and whether they are extremists, Jean-Pierre did not provide a direct answer. Instead, she veered off-topic and discussed past instances of anti-Semitism from the far-right. It’s disappointing that she couldn’t simply call out these protesters for what they are: extremists who are making Jewish students feel unsafe on college campuses.
Furthermore, Jean-Pierre continues to conflate concerns about Islamophobia with concerns about anti-Semitism. The FBI’s statistics and recent NYPD data clearly show a greater number of incidents targeting Jews, refuting her narrative. It’s troubling that she continues to lump these two distinct issues together instead of focusing on combating anti-Semitism.
The Biden administration needs to do more to address the rise of anti-Semitism and pro-Hamas protests. It’s not enough to condemn these actions with words; concrete actions must be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students and individuals across the country. The lack of clarity and action from the White House on this issue is deeply concerning.
