WASHINGTON, D.C. —Vice President Kamala Harris, seemingly operating in days as the acting President of the United States, reaffirmed her steadfast support for Israel and condemned the actions of Hamas during a recent press conference. Sharing a personal anecdote from her youth, Harris recounted how she helped plant trees for Israel, emphasizing her long-standing commitment to the nation’s security and right to self-defense.
“I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah,” Harris declared. She reflected on her journey from collecting funds as a young girl to plant trees in Israel, to her tenure in the U.S. Senate, and now as Acting President, highlighting her unwavering commitment to Israel’s existence and security.
During the press conference, Harris condemned Hamas as a brutal terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre that killed 1,200 innocent people, including 44 Americans.
She also mentioned the horrific acts of sexual violence committed by Hamas and the taking of 250 hostages, including American citizens whose families she has met with multiple times. “President Biden and I are working every day to bring them home,” she assured.
In response to recent protests near the U.S. Capitol, where demonstrators voiced support for Hamas and burned an American flag during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, Harris issued a strong condemnation. “Hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation,” she stated, denouncing the protesters’ “despicable acts” and “dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric.”
“I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews,” Harris said.
She also condemned the burning of the American flag, calling it a symbol of America’s highest ideals and promise. “It should never be desecrated in that way,” she asserted.
