    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [December 18, 2006]
    [Pages 2201-2202]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah
    December 18, 2006

        Thank you all very much. Welcome to the White House. I'm pleased you
    all could join us. I appreciate members of my Cabinet who have joined
    us: Secretary Michael Chertoff, Ambassador
    Susan Schwab, and Chief of Staff Joshua
    Bolten.
        Tonight is the fourth night of Hanukkah, a holiday which
    commemorates a victory for freedom and the courage and faith that made
    it possible. Laura and I are honored to have this
    Hanukkah menorah here at the White House. It's a symbol that the White
    House is the people's house, and it belongs to Americans of all faiths.
        The story of Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle. More than 2,000
    years ago, the land of ancient Israel was conquered, its most sacred
    temple was desecrated, and Jews were forbidden to practice their faith.
    A patriot named Judah Maccabee and his followers took a stand for
    freedom and rose up against their oppressors to take back Jerusalem.
        When the Maccabees returned to reclaim their holy temple, the oil
    that should have lasted only one day burned for 8. That miraculous light
    brought hope. And today, by lighting the menorah, Jews around the world
    celebrate the victory of light over darkness and give thanks for the
    presence of a just and loving God.
        We're honored to have a beautiful menorah here from Lisa and Alan Stern of Los Angeles.
    The ceramic plaques around the base feature biblical scenes of the
    Hanukkah story. And between the menorah branches are painted doves,
    which represent the eternal wish for peace.
        I want to thank Ariel Cohen and her family
    for being here. Ariel, you did a wonderful job of saying the Hanukkah
    blessings and lighting the candles. I also thank the Indiana
    University's Hillel HooShir Choir for your wonderful performance. We're
    really glad you came. Thanks for coming.
        On Hanukkah, we're especially mindful of the sacrifices that freedom
    requires. Our Nation is grateful to the men and women of every faith who
    serve our country in uniform and who are away from their families this
    holiday. We pray for them and their families, and we pray that those who
    still live in the darkness of tyranny will someday see the light of
    freedom.
        The word ``Hanukkah'' means dedication, and the message of Hanukkah
    calls on us to dedicate ourselves to recognizing the miracles in our
    daily lives. This dedication has the power to lift our souls and to make
    us better people and to make the world a better place.
        Laura and I wish all the people of the Jewish
    faith around the world a Happy Hanukkah, and thank you all for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:36 p.m. in the Bookseller's Area at the
    White House.

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