As the first anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in the loss of 1,200 lives, including 46 U.S. citizens, is commemorated, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris paid their respects in different ways. Trump planned to address Jewish community leaders at his resort in Doral, Florida, while Harris joined her husband in planting a pomegranate tree at the Vice President's residence to honor the victims, as reported by WSVN.
Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East seems to widen as the campaign intensifies. Trump has blamed President Biden and Vice President Harris for the war, claiming their administration empowered Iran. He has sought to exploit divisions within the Democratic Party created by progressive protests against Israel's military actions. In contrast, Harris focused her message on mourning and reflection during the anniversary, according to the U.S. News.
Doug Emhoff, the Vice President's husband and a member of the Jewish community, participated in the commemorative efforts by reciting a prayer at an event organized by the American Jewish Committee. The Trump campaign is clearly focusing on the Jewish electorate, although his recent comments—suggesting that Jewish voters who support Democrats "should have their head examined" and implying the Jewish community's potential role in his electoral defeat—have added tension to an already heated campaign trail, according to the U.S. News. Despite this, Trump's past associations with figures known for anti-Semitic rhetoric, such as far-right activist Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye, have raised questions about his sincerity in fighting anti-Semitism. The balance of foreign policy is also a significant issue in electoral politics; during an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes," Harris skillfully avoided a direct question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, instead discussing the strong alliance between the American and Israeli people.
Halie Soifer, head of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and a former advisor to Harris on national security, noted, "with a sense of vulnerability and concern for Israel’s future," among Jewish voters in the aftermath of the conflict. However, she reaffirmed Harris and Biden's strong commitment to Israel's defense and highlighted their decisive actions to intercept Iranian missiles targeting Israel, as stated in her comments to the U.S. News.