Pool Reports of October 7, 2024

Pool Report #1 -- Today's schedule

Good morning from the White House press room, on a cloudless Fall day. I'll be your print pooler today.

Only one item on the President's schedule for now: an 11:45 candle-lighting in commemoration of the Oct. 7 terror attack. It is pool-only, in the Blue Room.

Karine is briefing at 1:30.

Pool report No. 2

From the White House:

This morning, President Biden spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to mark the solemn occasion of the one-year anniversary of the horrific Hamas October 7 terrorist attacks. A readout will be issued soon.

Pool Report No. 3

From the White House on the plans for the candle-lighting:

The President and First Lady will be joined by Rabbi Aaron Alexander of Adas Israel Congregation for the candle lighting in remembrance of the victims of the October 7 attacks.

The Rabbi will recite the "El Malei Rachamim" prayer, which translates to "God full of Mercy." It is a Jewish prayer for the soul of a person who has died. It is recited during burial services and memorial services.

The Rabbi's recitation will mention the areas in Israel that were attacked on October 7.

The President will light a yahrzeit candle, which is a candle lit in memory of the dead in Judaism.

The candle lighting will conclude with a moment of silence.

Rabbi Alexander is a family friend of the Goldberg-Polin Family. Hersh Goldberg-Polin was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and held hostage for almost 11 months until he was murdered by Hamas.

Pool Report #4 — Candle lighting in memory of the Oct. 7 victims

The President and Jill Biden entered the Blue Room at 11:47, standing by a small round table, with the president standing between the First Lady and Rabbi Aaron Alexander of Adas Israel Congregation.

The President and First Lady never spoke during the event. The Rabbi recited the "El Malei Rachamim" prayer, a traditional Jewish prayer often heard at funerals and on the anniversary of a death. He conducted the brief service in Hebrew, switching to English later.

He prayed for "the souls of the holy ones, men, women and children who were killed on October the seventh."

"For this we pray for the ascent of their souls, may they rest in the Garden of Eden,'' he said. "May their souls be bound up in the bond of everlasting life."

Then the president lit a yahrzeit candle, in memory of the dead. He used a small, handheld lighter, briefly crossed himself, and then walked out of the Blue Room. There was silence in the room, and no questions, a reflection of the solemnity of the moment.

Pool Report No. 5 - Briefing delayed

The press briefing has been delayed until 2 p.m.

Pool Report No. 6 - Lid Called

We have a lid, as of 5 p.m. Good night all.

Pool Report No. 7 Post-lid note

White House reports as follows:

The President was briefed this afternoon by Jeff Zients, White House Chief of Staff, Liz Sherwood-Randall, Homeland Security Advisor, and Caitlin Durkovich, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response, on the ongoing response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene - as well as the pre-landfall preparations and planning for Hurricane Milton.

Pool Report No. 8 (non-lid edition) - Biden/DeSantis

From the White House:

This evening, the President had separate calls with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to get a firsthand report on recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene, and to discuss preparations for Hurricane Milton. He asked the Governor and the Mayor to call him directly if there is anything that can be done to further support the response and recovery efforts.

The President also spoke with National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. Graham briefed the President in detail on the expected impacts of Hurricane Milton for the state of Florida. Graham emphasized that this hurricane could have major impacts and that people in the storm's path should evacuate now while there is ample time to do so.