The President of the United States, Joe Biden, hosted around 800 guests at a Hanukkah celebration at the White House. On the occasion, he urged Jewish leaders and supporters to hold onto hope during these difficult times for the Jewish community.
“Throughout my life, rabbis, Jewish friends, and colleagues have always been there for me and my family, especially during tough times,” Biden said in his six-minute speech. “They’ve taught me so much about the optimistic spirit of the Jewish people. Above all, they taught me one thing: We can never lose hope — hope, hope, hope.”
“My final Hanukkah message to you as president,” Biden continued, “is to hold onto that hope. Shine your light. Shine the light of optimism, and above all, keep the hope.”
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The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, wished British Jews a happy Hanukkah. “Hanukkah is a time for family, community and celebration. Chag Chanukah Sameach to Jewish communities in the UK and around the world,” the Prime Minister wrote in a post on X.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated the first night of Hanukkah in Kyiv. Accompanied by religious leaders, Zelensky, who is Jewish, lit the first candle of the menorah.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, tweeted in Hebrew: “Best wishes to Prime Minister Netanyahu and to all people around the world celebrating the holiday of Chanukah. May the light of Chanukah illuminate everyone’s lives with hope, peace and strength. Happy Chanukah!”. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, extended greetings to President Isaac Herzog for the Festival of Lights.
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The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, shared a message about the significance of Hanukkah and the rise of antisemitism, particularly following the massacre of October 7. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating a happy, peaceful, and blessed Hanukkah. May each candle of the Hanukkiah serve as an enduring reminder that, in the face of darkness, light will always prevail,” he said.
