Donald Trump delivered an emotional memorial speech honoring the lives of those lost in the October 7 massacre and vowed to help Israel with four specific proposals if he is elected.
Trump promised that he would not allow Israel to be threatened with destruction, and that he would not stand by if another Holocaust occurred. He also said that he would not allow jihad against America and that he will support Israel’s right to win the war on terror.
The ex-president’s comments came during remarks commemorating the tragic attack on Israel at his Trump National Doral Miami resort Monday evening.
His memorial speech in a glittering gold, chandelier-laden ballroom at his Miami golf club struck a more serious and measured tone.
Speaking to an audience of several hundred supporters, many of whom were Jewish and wearing yarmulkes and other traditional clothing, the ex-president detailed the horrors committed by Hamas against the 1,200 Israelis killed that day.
Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, lights a candle with Rabbi Yeshuda Kaploun during an event marking one year since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Monday, October 7, 2024, in Miami
“One year ago today, every civilized human being was shocked, horrified and saddened by the news of such absolute evil,” Trump said. “It was demonic.”
‘It was as if the gates of hell had burst open and unleashed their horrors on the world.’
“Today we mourn the more than 1,200 innocent victims of the October 7 attacks.”
About 1,200 lit candles lined the walls of the ornate room, each a flame in memory of one of the people killed by Hamas on that tragic day.
Likewise, portraits of each of the fallen adorned the walls.
Yellow roses were laid out on the seats on either side of the stage and reserved markers with the names of those still held hostage by Hamas.
Looking at the rows of supporters and rows of empty seats, Trump made a promise if he were elected.
“So here is my commitment to you on the solemn date: I will not allow the Jewish state to be threatened with annihilation, I will not allow another holocaust of the Jewish people, I will not allow for our time a jihad is being waged against America. allies and I will support Israel’s right to win its war on terror, and the country must win it,” Trump said.
He also stated that November 5, US Election Day, will be the most important day in history for the embattled Jewish nation.
‘November 5 will be the most important day in the history of our country. I think it will also be the most important day in the history of Israel.”
He confirmed that the war would never have started if he had come to power in 2020, and the crowd seemed to agree by giving a standing ovation.
Trump lights a candle for the Israeli victims during a memorial event commemorating the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas surprise attack on Israel
Hundreds attended Trump’s Miami resort to commemorate the attack
Before the commemoration, empty chairs with flowers and photos of victims of the Hamas attack on Israel can be seen
The bodies of civilians killed in a Palestinian militant attack lie covered in the southern Israeli city of Sderot on October 7, 2023
Your browser does not support iframes.
One rabbi noted that 101 hostages still need to be rescued, a reminder made even more palpable when you look at the empty rows of flower-laden chairs.
Several Holocaust survivors were also present to pay respects to those who died on October 7. They received thunderous applause as they took the stage and one sent the message: “No more, never again, God bless Trump.”
Since the outbreak of the war, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, in addition to more than 720 Israeli soldiers.
Trump was accompanied by Israeli-American billionaire Miriam Adelson, the widow of late GOP donor and businessman Sheldon Adelson, who called Trump his friend and a “special man.”
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., Florida Republican Reps. Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart and Maria Salazar were also in attendance.
Earlier in the day, Trump visited the grave of an influential Jewish leader in New York and met with local religious leaders.
Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, talks with members of the Chabad Lubavitch after visiting the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Monday, October 7, 2024, in New York
Trump commemorated the one-year anniversary of October 7 by visiting Ohel Chabad Lubavitch, the final resting place of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson the Rebbe, in the presence of the family of Edan Alexander, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.
Trump spoke to the family of Eden Alexander, who remains in Hamas captivity. Conservative talk show host Ben Shapiro (CR) was also there
Trump branded Harris a foreign affairs novice who lacks the ability to help bring peace to a Middle East in turmoil.
Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attended massacre memorial events on Monday
Harris, meanwhile, marked one year since the Hamas terror attack by vowing to always ensure Israel has everything it needs to defend itself and guarantee the security of the Jewish people.
As she spoke, the sound of pro-Palestinian protesters could be heard in the background.
Vice President and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff marked the anniversary by planting a memorial tree on the grounds of the vice president’s residence.
“We must ensure that the horrors of October 7 never happen again,” Harris said. “And on this solemn day, I will reiterate my pledge to always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, and that I will always work to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people here and around the world to guarantee.’