Chicago- October 21, 2024
In an address as a senator President Joe Biden highlighted the role of Jews in shaping America.
the story of the Jewish people is a story of resilience — absolute resilience from pain and persecution, to hope and delight even in the darkest times.
The story that endures. Throughout our history, Jewish people helped define and expand the singular idea that binds us together as Americans — this is not hyperbole: freedom. Freedom — the bedrock principle on which this nation was built and that American Jews fought for since the 1600s after fleeing persecution abroad.
One of our nation’s first commitments to freedom of religion was in the Jewish community in Newport, Rhode Island. It goes back a long way. 1790, America was just 14 years old. A local Jewish leader wrote a letter to President George Washington expressing his hope that America would be a nation of religious freedom not just for Jews but for all citizens — a nation which, quote, “gives bigotry no sanction [and] persecution no assistance.”
It helped bring — lay the groundwork for religious freedom and the First Amendment in our com- — amendment in our Constitution.
And ever since, Jews have been in the forefront of helping realize the promise of America for all Americans. Jewish artists, poets helped define the American vision of liberty for millions of people who come to our shores.
And, look, Jewish suffragettes and advocates have fought for women’s rights, voting rights every — every right we have.
My whole career, every — every fight to increase civil rights and civil liberties have been led by Jewish community, where I come from. The Jewish faith leaders and citizens march, petition, boarded a bus, demanded civil rights for all.
Jewish scientists and engineers and doctors have led breakthroughs in innovation, technology, and medicine.
Across government, Jewish Americans have proudly served our nation in uniform and elected appointive office in embassies and civil service and our nation’s highest courts.
We stand with Israel to take out Sinwar and the rest of the butchers of Hamas. We want Hamas defeated. We’ll work with Israel to make that happen.
And consistent with Jewish values in compassion, kindness, and dignity and human life, my team also is providing critical humanitarian assistance to help innocent Palestinian civilians who are suffering greatly because of the war Hamas — Hamas has unleashed. It’s heartbreaking.
As we do this, we’re also committed to bring the region together to work toward a two-state solution that provides security, prosperity, and enduring peace for Israel and Palestinians.
