Washington – The Obama family wished the global Jewish community a “chag sameach” for the start of Hanukkah, which begins Saturday night.
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In addition to his Hebrew happy holiday wishes, US President Barack Obama also spoke of Hanukkah’s historic and religious significance in a statement sent out Friday evening.
“This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of the Maccabees who rose up to liberate their people from oppression,” he said.
But Obama also spoke of the opportunity the holiday provided “for people of all faiths to recognize the common aspirations we share.”
Obama referred to recognizing the blessings Americans enjoy, remaining mindful of those who are suffering and “our commitment to building a better, more complete world for all.”
The coming week will see a plethora of festivities in Washington to mark the holiday, including the lighting of the massive outdoor “national menorah” on the ellipse across from the White House.
The White House itself is set to host a Hanukkah party for Jewish community and political leaders later in the week, as are members of Congress, diplomats and political organizations.
Meanwhile, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Friday echoed Obama’s sentiments, wishing Jewish families across America and around the world a happy Hanukkah.
In a statement, Wasserman said: “Together, as we light the Hanukkah menorah, we have the opportunity to dedicate ourselves to the ideals of freedom and justice at the core of our great nation.”
Wasserman added world leaders must “come together to provide America’s families with the security they need in the year ahead.”
Content is provided courtesy of the Jerusalem Post
Laider, that these people (and most Jews, b’avonoseinu harabim) have no clue as to the true meaning and significance of Chanukah.
I’m moichel his good wishes.
Did anyone realize that Obama is up to the second night of Chanukah already… When we only lit today the first candle.. Just saying…
Why didn’t the White House hold its annual Chanukah party, as it has done for years? Last year, there were over 500 guests, and the catering was Glatt Kosher?
#5 . You have to ask why? It seems our people can’t see the self evident truth about this Pariah!