Political Figures From Around the World Offer Warm Wishes for a Happy Chanukah

0
1263

(Jewish Breaking News)

U.S. President Donald Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and other political leaders from around the world, bid all who observe Hanukkah a happy holiday.

“Wishing all of those celebrating #Hanukkah around the world a happy and healthy eight nights in the company of those they love,” the president tweeted Tuesday, along with the image of a lit menorah.

The Twitter message followed a statement the president released earlier in the day.

“Hanukkah is a time for Jewish families around the world to come together around the lighting of the menorah and celebrate the miracles of the past and promises of the future. Melania and I wish all of our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrating this meaningful holiday a happy and healthy eight nights in the company of those they love,” Donald Trump said in a statement released by the White House.

“On this holiday, we are proud to stand with the Jewish people who shine as a light to all nations. We also stand with the people of Israel, the Jewish State, which has itself a miraculous history of overcoming the tallest of odds. We hope that those observing the holiday here, in Israel, and around the world have a wonderful holiday.”

Ivanka Trump posted on Twitter a photo of her family, including husband Jared Kushner — who serves as senior adviser to the president — and their three children: Theodore, Arabella and Joseph. The family is smiling and standing around a menorah. Ivanka Trump, who was raised Christian, converted to Judaism in 2009 when she married Kushner.

“Happy Chanukah! #1stNight,” she captioned the family snapshot.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday said that the holiday of Hanukkah calls on all people “to defend the values and way of life that we share.”

“I want to send my very best wishes to everyone celebrating Hanukkah in our Jewish communities here in the UK and all around the world,” she said in a statement.

“Hanukkah recalls a time, over two millennia ago, when the Jewish people successfully resisted a vile attempt to wipe out their religion and culture. It marks the triumph of freedom over hatred. And it calls on us all – whatever our religion or background – to defend the values and way of life that we share.”

“So as the Menorah candles are lit, let us renew that pledge today. Let us celebrate that in Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear. Let us take pride in the extraordinary contribution made by members of the Jewish Community in all areas of national life.”

“Let us redouble our efforts to fight anti-Semitism in all its forms – including unequivocally condemning those who abhorrently use criticism of the Israeli government to question the right of Israel to exist.

“And let us draw hope from the message of Hanukkah, confident in our values and determined to defeat hatred and extremism wherever it is found – today and for every generation to come,” she concluded.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement after marking the start of Hanukkah:

“The story of Hanukkah is one of miracles, resilience, and faith. It teaches us that, even in the darkest of times, we must always seek the light in ourselves and our neighbors. May this Hanukkah bring health and happiness to all those who celebrate.”  

Speaker Ryan commemorated the first night of Hanukkah with a menorah lighting at the U.S. Capitol.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday wished the Jewish people a happy Hanukkah.


“At sunset today, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will welcome the beginning of Hanukkah – one of the oldest traditions in the world,” said Trudeau.

“For eight nights, families and loved ones will celebrate the Festival of Lights by lighting the candles of the menorah, one by one. Together, they will pray, sing, enjoy food, and share stories of hope.”

“Hanukkah is a time to honor the profound strength of the Jewish people, and their triumph over immense adversity. Each Hanukkah candle reminds us that love conquers hatred, that light drowns out darkness, and that even our smallest actions have the power to make a difference in the world,” said the Canadian Prime Minister.

Subscribe for Simcha Updates!

* indicates required