President Joe Biden and Donald Trump both issued statements commemorating the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, with the Republican focusing his message around the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Both the current and former president sent messages to mark the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday, December 7. It is observed over the eight nights in the Jewish community by the lighting of a menorah.
The lighting of the candles signifies when the Maccabees lit a menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem. It followed a successful revolt in which the holy city was recaptured from the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV, who had banned Jewish practices during his reign. The flames burnt for eight days and nights in the temple, despite there being only enough oil for one.
Biden marked the start of Hanukkah with a post on X, formerly Twitter, showing a photo of a menorah at the White House with its first candle lit.
"The story of Hanukkah teaches us that even a little bit of light, wherever it is found, can dispel the darkness and illuminate a path forward," Biden said. "From our family to yours, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!"
In comparison, Trump posted a video message online to celebrate the start of Hanukkah while referencing the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
"I want to wish everyone a very happy Hanukkah. The miracle of Hanukkah began more than 2,000 years ago when a proud band of Jewish patriots courageously stood up and reclaim their freedom, their faith and their traditions from an oppressive tyrant," Trump said.
"After that great victory, the Jewish heroes prepared to rededicate the Holy Temple, but found only enough oil to light the lamp for one night. Yet by the grace of the Almighty. The flames radiated for eight days and eight nights. Ever since, the Menorah has been a symbol of Jewish perseverance in the face of oppression, and of God's hope, mercy and love in times of hardship."
Trump added that this Hanukkah season, Jewish Americans and people all over the world are "still reeling from the monstrous Hamas terror attacks on innocent men, women and children," on October 7.
"To everyone touched by these barbaric atrocities we pray that God will bring you healing comfort and peace. We recommit ourselves to extinguishing the evil of antisemitism from the Earth," Trump said.
"We reaffirm the everlasting solidarity with the Jewish people, and we go forward confident with God's help. In the end, light will overcome this horrible darkness," Trump added.
Elsewhere, Doug Emhoff, the husband of vice president Kamala Harris and the first Jewish spouse of a nationally elected leader in the U.S., told the Jewish community that the entire Biden administration "have your back." Emhoff's words came in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel during a lighting ceremony of a menorah in front of the White House on Thursday.
Biden has expressed strong support for Israel amid the war against Hamas, and had resisted demands to call for a permanent ceasefire.
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Ewan Palmer is a Newsweek News Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on US politics, domestic policy ... Read more
