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Three Important Hanukkah Messages
Two messages by President Trump, and one exceptional video message from Prime Minister Johnson, set the right tone for the two nations’ recognition of a minority faith that has been under increasing assault. President Trump, having earlier held an annual Hanukkah reception, at which he signed a significant executive order to combat universities increasingly open anti-Semitism, published a warm presidential message on Hanukkah 2019. Yet, this year, it was Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Chanukah message that cut to the heart of the history and current problems in the United Kingdom. In the context of Labour being rejected by the British people, in significant part due to the exceptionally nasty piece of work leading that party, Jeremy Corbyn, PM Johnston spoke strongly and plainly about the right of British Jews to be both, publicly, without fear of harassment or worse.
Note that this video, like the one below, is official. 10 Downing Street is the official YouTube channel of the British Prime Minister, as White House is the official YouTube channel of the President of the United States.
Published in GeneralPresidential Message on Hanukkah 2019
Issued on: December 22, 2019Melania and I send our warmest wishes to Jewish people in the United States, Israel, and across the world as you commence the 8-day celebration of Hanukkah.
More than 2,000 years ago, the Maccabees boldly reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, securing a victory for the Jewish people and their faith. They proudly lit the menorah to rededicate the Second Temple. Even though there was only enough olive oil to burn for one day, through divine providence, the flames miraculously burned for eight nights.
As the Jewish community gathers together to celebrate this special and sacred time of year, we are reminded of God’s message of hope, mercy, and love. Throughout the coming eight days, each candle to be lit on the menorah will signal to the world that freedom and justice will always shine brighter than hate and oppression.
Today, the relationship between the United States and Israel, one of our most cherished allies and friends, is stronger than ever. We will continue to stand with the Jewish people in defending the God-given right to worship freely and openly.
As our Jewish brothers and sisters gather around the menorah each night, we pray for a memorable and blessed celebration of the Festival of Lights. May the light of the menorah and the fellowship of family and friends fill your hearts with happiness and a renewed sense of faith.
Happy Hanukkah!
Boy that Johnson speech is a great speech. If I were a British Jew, I would back that man to the hilt.
Thanks, Cliff, for gathering these clips together for us to see.
I also enjoyed watching the celebration of Hanukkah in the White House. If I were an American Jew, I would back Trump to the hilt.
Actually, I’m not a Jew and I back Trump to the hilt.
Happy Hanukkah!
It is heartening to see two primary world leaders publicly acknowledging the Jews and their celebrations. These are uneasy times for Jews and it’s good to see those who support us.
I had seen the White House video, at the time of the event. I found out about PM Johnson’s remarks in conversation with my mother on Christmas Day, as I first remarked on Johnson’s Christmas message, addressing persecuted Christians.
Wonderful. These are two Good Men. No wonder the left hates them so deeply.
Sadly, the hatred against Jews has resulted in accelerating violence, especially in New York, leading @susanquinn to ask “Does Someone Have to Die?“
Thank you for your ongoing support of Judaism, Clifford, and for fearlessly shining a light on this issue.
Lots of finger pointing and noise around the attack in Monsey, NY. I looked at a map, and will bear it in mind as various claims are made.