On the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden held a memorial ceremony at the White House. The brief event included a prayer led by Rabbi Aaron Alexander and the lighting of a Yahrzeit candle in remembrance of the 1,200 victims, including 46 Americans. In a statement, Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and Israel's right to self-defense against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. He also expressed solidarity with the hostages still held by Hamas, vowing that the U.S. would not rest until they are returned. The anniversary coincides with ongoing violence, as Israeli attacks in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of nearly 42,000 Palestinians since the conflict escalated.