WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, planted a pomegranate tree at the vice presidential residence Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel — as a noisy protest outside the Naval Observatory’s fence marred what was intended to be a solemn event amid fresh concerns about all-out war in the Middle East.
The Democratic presidential candidate and Emhoff appeared in public together for the first time since the second gentleman was accused last week of “forcefully slapping” an ex-girlfriend, creating fresh image problems for the prospective first spouse, who in August admitted impregnating a nanny while married to his first wife.
Harris and Emhoff, both 59, held hands before the vice president laid a supportive hand on the second gentleman’s arm as they bowed their heads in a moment of silence interrupted by a loud siren apparently deployed by protesters who had chanted during their remarks.
“Today we plant a pomegranate tree, which in Judaism is a symbol of hope and righteousness,” Harris said. “So for years to come, this pomegranate tree will stand here, spreading its roots and growing stronger to remind future vice presidents of the United States, their families and all who pass through these grounds not only of the horror of October 7, but of the strength and endurance of the Jewish people.
“It will remind us all not to abandon the goal of peace, dignity and security for all, and it will remind us all to always have faith.”
In response to a reporter’s question, Harris said: “We’re doing everything we can possibly do to get a ceasefire-hostage deal done. It’s one of the most important ways we will be able to end this war and bring any type of stability to the region. It’s one of the highest priorities of this administration.”
The event occurred as Israel is believed to be preparing an attack on Iran as retaliation for a largely unsuccessful barrage of rockets last week — after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored President Biden’s admonition against invading southern Lebanon to clear out Hezbollah sites.
The protesters nearby were unseen by journalists present for the event, but the ruckus was audible on video feeds, though the precise words were unclear.
“I am still filled with pain and despair,” said Emhoff, who is Jewish. “This is an incredibly challenging day for Jews around the world, myself included. October 7th hit us hard as a community. We are still hurting and today feels just as raw as it did one year ago.
“What happened on October 7th is seared into our souls. I can’t stop thinking about the hostages and their families and all those we have lost over the past year,” he went on.
“As the first Jewish spouse [of] an American president or vice president, I take this role very seriously. Kamala is the one who encouraged me to use the platform I have to fight against antisemitism and hate. She’s also the person who encouraged me to lean into my Jewish faith.”