Speaking before the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner on Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia, transphobia and homophobia.
Biden referred to last week’s attack by Hamas on Israeli territory as a manifestation of hate that took the lives of at least 1300 people, including 27 Americans.
The president also lamented Palestinian deaths, saying many innocent Palestinian families are being used as “human shields.”
“Because history has taught us again and again antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, they’re all connected. Hate toward one group left unanswered opens the door for more hate toward more groups, more often, readily,” Biden said.
“A week ago, we saw hate manifested another way in the worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. More than 1300 innocent lives lost in Israel, including at least 27 Americans. Children and grandparents alike kidnapped, held hostage by Hamas. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Innocent Palestinian families and the vast majority have nothing to do with Hamas. They’re being used as human shields,” he added.
The Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group focusing on anti-LGBTQ hate, held its national dinner in Washington D.C.
