Doug Emhoff’s Visit to Paris: A Focus on Antisemitism Amid Olympic Excitement
This week, as Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, arrived in Paris, the anticipation surrounding the Summer Olympics was palpable. His itinerary included meetings with notable figures such as champion sprinter Noah Lyles and attending the thrilling U.S. men’s basketball team game against Serbia. Emhoff is set to lead the American presidential delegation at the closing ceremony on Sunday, marking a significant role in the event.
However, amidst the Olympic festivities, Mr. Emhoff also turned his attention to a critical and pressing issue: the alarming rise of antisemitism both in the United States and globally since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October. “It is a poison coursing through the veins of democracy and democratic ideals,” Mr. Emhoff stated emphatically during a commemoration event honoring the victims of a tragic 1982 attack on a renowned Jewish deli in Paris. This horrific incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including two Americans, and left 22 others wounded.
“Part of fighting hate is living openly and proudly as a Jew, and celebrating our faith and our culture,” he continued, as helicopters whirred overhead, a stark reminder of the heightened security measures France has implemented for the Olympics. “I love being Jewish, and I cherish the joy that comes with my heritage. I refuse to let anyone dictate how I should express my Jewish identity.”
Mr. Emhoff has emerged as a prominent figure in the Biden administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism. He has brought together Jewish leaders at the White House, publicly criticized former President Donald J. Trump as “a known antisemite,” and has drawn upon his own faith to console Jewish Americans who are grappling with the emotional aftermath of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
In addition to his advocacy, Mr. Emhoff is also the spouse of a presidential candidate. During his visit, he attended a private fundraiser in Paris supporting Ms. Harris’s campaign. Notably, he refrained from directly referencing her presidential aspirations in his public remarks—this included interactions with the numerous journalists present when he enjoyed lunch at the celebrated L’As du Falafel on Friday.
