White House national security spokesperson John Kirby spoke with CNN’s Poppy Harlow about the rise of antisemitism in America; “No question about it,” Kirby says, confirming the spike in antisemitism threats and attacks.
“That threat is rising, Poppy. No doubt about it,” Kirby says. “In 2022 there were more antisemitic events in this country since 1979. And this year, in 2023, we continue to see that rise.”
“We’re working very hard at a local level…to disrupt attacks and stop them.”
Kirby also says the administration is watching anti-Muslim attacks as well.
Watch the clip above.
Kirby was also asked about the American hostages still being held by Hamas; “At this point, should they have hope?” Harlow asks Kirby.
“We believe that there will be a way to get those Americans out. We’d like to do that today if we could, I don’t know how close we are. We believe there’s a way to do this, we just have to work at it and we’re gonna continue to do that,” Kirby answered.
Watch the clip below:
"Are the demands being made by Hamas — are any of them achievable at this point? Should [Americans in Gaza] have hope?"
JOHN KIRBY: "I don't know how close we are. We believe there's a way to do this, we just have to work at it…" pic.twitter.com/dMNlhAn5sd
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 30, 2023