Trump draws flak for offering to autograph rabbi's prayer book at Oct 7 Hamas attack anniversary event

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former president Donald Trump drew flak for offering to autograph the prayer book of a rabbi during the first anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.

The GOP presidential nominee visited the gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson in Queens, New York City, on Monday, October 7, to honor the first anniversary of the attack that ultimately paved the way to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

During the visit, Trump was spotted wearing a kippa, chatting with the rabbis near him as he examined the prayer book kept in front.

"Would you like me to sign this?" Trump asked, receiving a shake of the head from the rabbi, who appeared to say no.

Donald Trump's offer to sign Jewish prayer book at October 7 event

Donald Trump's insensitive offer to sign the Jewish prayer book came amid his growing complaint about the Jews not supporting him enough, reported OK Magazine.

In an interview with Hugh Hewitt aired on October 7, the real estate mogul said, "I think that Israel has to do one thing. They have to get smart about Trump, because they don’t back me."

"I did more for Israel than anybody. I did more for the Jewish people than anybody. And it’s not reciprocal, as they say, not reciprocal," he continued.

Though Hewitt said that his support among Jewish-Americans was increasing, Trump dismissed it, claiming he should have 100% backing from the demographic. However, the 78-year-old admitted he would never hit the mark.

Since embarking on his third presidential bid, Trump often took a swipe at Jews.

Speaking at an event in Washington, DC, last month, the MAGA leader claimed Jews would be held responsible if he lost the election to Vice President Kamala Harris, according to CBS News. He claimed 60% of Jewish voters were "voting for the enemy."

Trump also said the Democratic-leaning Jews should have their heads examined, a rhetoric he often repeated on his campaign trail.

The 45th president held a remembrance event to honor the October 7 attack at Trump National Doral golf club in Miami, where he blamed the Biden administration for the attack on Israel.

"The October 7 attack would never have happened if I was president," he said, as per Politico. "The past two years have proven that weakness only begets violence and war."

A year ago, Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel that claimed the lives of 1,200 people and resulted in hundreds more being taken hostage. The Jewish state's retaliation in Gaza resulted in the killing of more than 40,000 Palestinians, including women and children.

Donald Trump blasted for offering to autograph rabbi's prayer book at October 7 event

Outraged at Donald Trump's conduct at the October 7 anniversary event, netizens claimed the former president wanted his autograph to be on everything.

"This guy believes his signature is so unique that he wants to put it on everything! What a true embarrassment!" a user wrote.

"Absolutely disgusting," another remarked.

"Of course, that would be the first thing Trump would think who wouldn’t want Trump to sign a prayer book since he’s so angelic. After he tells trump it’s for him, I’m sure Trump was thinking I could probably use it for a paperweight," one person said.

"He's grabbing everything in sight like they are giveaways instead of holy icons," read another response.

"Wait, he actually asked if they wanted an autograph at a gravesite? Trump treating a sacred moment like it’s a campaign stop at a ballgame—dude’s out here signing prayer books like he’s selling merch. Absolutely no boundaries," one individual wrote.

"Such a self-centered man who’s disconnected from reality and simply just can’t avoid saying and doing ridiculous things," someone else added.

"There are no words for such shattering insensitivity," an individual chimed in.

"Why would they want him to sign a prayer book? There is no end to Trump’s narcissism," read one remark.

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