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November 2, 2023

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