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Biden Responds to Rabbi Calling for Gaza Ceasefire: “We Need a Pause”

HeadlineNov 02, 2023

President Biden has publicly voiced support for a humanitarian pause to Israel’s assault in Gaza for the first time. Biden’s comment came during a campaign fundraiser in Minneapolis after a local rabbi named Jessica Rosenberg of Jewish Voice for Peace interrupted his speech to donors.

Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg: “Mr. President, if you care about Jewish people, as a rabbi, I need you to call for a ceasefire right now.”

Donors: “Shhh! No! Ssss! Sit down! Sit down! Get out!”

Moments later, in an exchange with the rabbi, President Biden said he supported a pause to the fighting.

Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg: “A pause?”

President Joe Biden: “Yes, a pause.”

Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg: “What is a pause?”

Security: “OK.”

President Joe Biden: “A pause means it gives time to get the prisoners out.”

Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg: “Yes please, do something!”

Biden did not meet with any Muslim leaders during his visit to Minneapolis. Instead, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations held a peaceful protest demanding an immediate ceasefire. This week a poll by the Arab American Institute showed support for Biden among Arab Americans has cratered, down from 59% three years ago to just 17% in October.

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