Jewish Diaspora & Antisemitism

‘Confused’ Biden applauds ceasefire demand during graduation

President Joe Biden appears to be one of the first people to clap after valedictorian calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

By World Israel News Staff

President Joe Biden applauded when a student speaker at a graduation ceremony called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with that same speech later asserting a moral equivalency between the Israeli army and terror groups.

Morehouse College, a historically black university in Atlanta, invited Biden to give a speech at its commencement ceremony, as well as bestowed an honorary degree upon the president.

But before Biden spoke, valedictorian Deangelo Fletcher addressed the graduating class and used his speech to call for an end to the current fighting in the Gaza Strip.

He urged an “immediate and a permanent ceasefire” in the coastal enclave, stating that “it is only right for the class of 2024 to utilize any platform provided to stand in solidarity with peace and justice.”

Notably, Fletcher did not mention the acts of barbarity committed by Hamas on that day, nor did he refer to the terror group by name.

“The Israel-Gaza conflict has plagued the people of its region for generations,” Fletcher added. “It is important to recognize that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the wake of October 7.”

In a clip published by RNC Research, a “confused”-looking Biden is seen seated just behind the podium where Fletcher is speaking.

Biden appears to be one of the first to begin applauding after Fletcher called for a ceasefire.

According to an NBC report, some staff and students at Morehouse were opposed to giving Biden the degree and having him deliver the commencement address due to their opposition to the Israel-Hamas war.

When some students turned their chairs away from Biden in a silent protest during his speech, he acknowledged the move.

“In a democracy, we debate and dissent about America’s role in the world,” Biden said.

“I want to say this very clearly — I support peaceful, nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard. I promise you, I hear them.”

Share
Published by
Lauren Marcus
Tags: American college campuses Biden Black-Jewish relations campus Ceasefire graduation ceremony

Recent Posts

  • Arab-Israeli Conflict

Hamas planned to build 10,000-strong army in Lebanon to invade northern Israel – report

Captured Hamas documents reveal plan to build 10,000-strong army in Lebanon before Oct. 7, use…

3 hours ago
  • Israel News

Israeli Arab activist forms new right-wing party – report

Pro-Israel Christian Arab activist Yoseph Haddad reportedly behind formation of new right-wing party, 'Brave Israel.'

4 hours ago
  • World News

Trump calls Netanyahu ‘his own worst enemy,’ refuses to endorse him – report

President Trump reportedly holds back on endorsing Prime Minister Netanyahu ahead of first election since…

5 hours ago
  • Videos

WATCH: Iranian professor threatens dirty bomb attack on Israel

Tehran University professor Hamzeh Safavi revealed that the Iranian regime has contingency plans if it…

5 hours ago
  • Jewish Diaspora & Antisemitism

Bronx man faces 14 charges for attack on congregant, guard at Central Synagogue Shabbat service

Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the NYPD, stated that an NYPD sergeant, who was working 'a…

5 hours ago
  • Source-JFeed

Iran: Three pilots held captive in Qatar

The detention of the pilots intensifies already strained relations between the two countries.

5 hours ago