STORY: JOE BIDEN: "This ancient hatred of Jews didn't begin with the Holocaust. It didn't end with the Holocaust either."

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned that the threat of antisemitism is growing, in remarks honoring the 6 million Jews killed in the Nazi Holocaust eighty years ago.

And his keynote address for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's annual commemoration of the genocide came seven months to the day after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 by Israeli tallies.

"That hatred was brought to life on October 7, in 2023, on a sacred Jewish holiday, the terrorist group Hamas unleashed the deadliest day of the Jewish people since the Holocaust."

The Hamas attack provoked an Israeli retaliation that has so far killed 35,000 residents of the Gaza Strip.

And it stirred up dramatic protests on U.S. college campuses by students demanding an end to the Israeli assault. Some Jewish students have said the demonstrations have included harassment and antisemitic instances.

That comes against a backdrop in already-rising threats. The FBI reported a 36% increase in anti-Jewish hate crime incidents between 2021 and 2022, the latest year for which data is available, as well as a jump in crimes against Black Americans and gay men.

MIKE JOHNSON: "To every Jewish student listening to us, no matter where you are around the country. You have my word. The U.S. House of Representatives will do everything in our power to ensure that you are safe."

Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have condemned pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses, painting them as Hamas sympathizers.

In some cases, police have forcefully torn down student encampments and arrested hundreds. Those arrested include University of Texas at Austin freshman Arwyn Heilrayn.

REPORTER: "What is your reaction to people saying that these demonstrations are reflecting some antisemitism on campuses?"

HEILRAYN: "I would reflect back the voices of the Jewish protesters that have been standing side by side with us, that this is not antisemitic, that this is pro-Palestinian."

The police crackdowns prompted criticism that universities were clamping down on political speech. And Biden has tried to walk a careful line as his own Democratic Party has appeared divided over those sympathetic to Palestinians' plight and others who insist on Israel's right to defend itself.

"We respect and protect the fundamental right to free speech, to debate and disagree. To protest peacefully, and make our voices heard. I understand, that's America. But there is no place on any campus in America, no place in America, for antisemitism or hate speech, or threats of violence of any kind."

Biden sought to reassure Jewish Americans, who overwhelming vote for Democratic candidates, that he would stand with them.

"To the Jewish community, I want you to know, I see your fear, your hurt and your pain. Let me reassure you, as your president, you are not alone."

Biden also said his commitment to Israel was ironclad even amid disagreements with the country's government.