“I am a Zionist”: Biden reaffirms commitment to "Israel" at Hanukkah reception

US President Joe Biden delivered a speech on Monday evening during a reception at the White House celebrating Hanukkah, reaffirming his support for the Jewish and "Israeli" communities.

He also pledged to continue efforts to reach a ceasefire that would lead to the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip.

“I know this year’s Hanukkah comes with heavy hearts," said Biden. "This is the second Hanukkah since the tragedies of October 7th, which saw the killing of over a thousand people, the taking of hundreds of hostages, and unspeakable violence.”

“I have succeeded in freeing more than one hundred hostages, and I will not stop until every single one of them returns home,” he added.

Earlier, CNN reported that senior "Israeli" ministers expressed cautious optimism regarding the possibility of finalizing a deal for the release of captives.

"Israeli" Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said, “I am more optimistic compared to last month,” but warned that the deal is not yet finalized.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, during his recent visit to Jerusalem last week, stated that efforts are ongoing to finalize the captive deal and a ceasefire in Gaza after consultations with "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials.

Biden referenced last month’s ceasefire between "Israel" and Lebanon as further evidence of his efforts to promote peace in the region. He said, “My commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist as a nation-state has been and remains unwavering.”

He reiterated, “I learned long ago that you don’t have to be Jewish to be a Zionist. And I am a Zionist.”

During the reception, Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger and Doug Emhoff introduced Biden, who praised his leadership and commitment to combating antisemitism, particularly following the announcement of the first national strategy on the issue last year.

Biden concluded his remarks by addressing the rising wave of anti-Semitism following the events of October 7.

He said, “The Jewish community is facing a vicious wave of anti-Semitism in America and around the world. It is immoral, wrong, and it must stop immediately.”