THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Welcome to the
White House. I'm pleased you all could join us. I appreciate members of
my Cabinet who have joined us: Secretary Michael Chertoff, Ambassador
Susan Schwab, and Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten.
Tonight is the fourth night of Hanukkah, a holiday which commemorates
a victory for freedom and the courage and faith that made it possible.
Laura and I are honored to have this Hanukkah menorah here at the White
House. It's a symbol that the White House is the people's house, and it
belongs to Americans of all faiths.
The story of Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle. More than
2,000 years ago the land of ancient Israel was conquered, its most
sacred temple was desecrated, and Jews were forbidden to practice their
faith. A patriot named Judah Maccabee and his followers took a stand for
freedom and rose up against their oppressors to take back Jerusalem.
When the Maccabees returned to reclaim their holy temple, the oil
that should have lasted only one day burned for eight. The miraculous
light brought hope. And today, by lighting the menorah, Jews around the
world celebrate the victory of light over darkness and give thanks for
the presence of a just and loving God.
We're honored to have a beautiful menorah here from Lisa and Alan
Stern of Los Angeles. The ceramic plaques around the base feature
biblical scenes of the Hanukkah story. And between the menorah branches
are painted doves, which represent the eternal wish for peace.
I want to thank Ariel Cohen and her family for being here. Ariel, you
did a wonderful job of saying the Hanukkah blessings and lighting the
candles. I also thank the Indiana University's Hillel HooShir Choir for
your wonderful performance. We're really glad you came. Thanks for
coming.
On Hanukkah, we're especially mindful of the sacrifices that freedom
requires. Our nation is grateful to the men and women of every faith who
serve our country in uniform and who are away from their families this
holiday. We pray for them and their families, and we pray that those who
still live in the darkness of tyranny will someday see the light of
freedom.
The word Hanukkah means dedication, and the message of Hanukkah calls
on us to dedicate ourselves to recognizing the miracles in our daily
lives. This dedication has the power to lift our souls and to make us
better people and to make the world a better place.
Laura and I wish all the people of the Jewish faith around the world
a Happy Hanukkah, and thank you all for coming. |