    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 10, 2007]
    [Pages 1534-1535]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah
    December 10, 2007

        Thank you. Good evening. Laura and I welcome
    you to the White House. Mr. Attorney General, thank you for being here; Secretary Chertoff and family. Hanukkah is a time of joy and festivity
    in the Jewish religion. We're honored to gather with members of the
    Jewish community to celebrate this holiday.
        During Hanukkah, we remember an ancient struggle for freedom. More
    than 2,000 years ago, a cruel tyrant ruled Judea and forbade the
    Israelites from practicing their religion. A band of brothers came
    together to fight this oppression, and against incredible odds, they
    liberated the capital city of Jerusalem. As they set about rededicating
    the Holy Temple, they witnessed a great miracle: That purified oil that
    was supposed to last for 1 day burned for 8.
        Jewish families commemorate this miracle by lighting the menorah for
    the 8 nights of Hanukkah. The Talmud instructs families to place the
    menorah in public view so the entire world can see its light. The flames
    remind us that light triumphs over darkness, faith conquers despair, and
    the desire for freedom burns inside every man, woman, and child.
        As we light the Hanukkah candles this year, we pray for those who
    still live under the shadow of tyranny. This afternoon I met with a
    group of Jewish immigrants to mark International Human Rights Day. Many
    of these men and women fled from religious oppression in countries like
    Iran and Syria and the Soviet Union. They came to America because our
    Nation is a beacon of freedom. And they see a day of hope on the horizon
    when people all across the world will worship in freedom. The forces of
    intolerance can suppress the menorah, but they can never extinguish its
    light.
        The menorah we light tonight has special meaning. It once belonged
    to Chayim Pearl, who was the great-grandfather of Wall Street Journal
    reporter Daniel Pearl. While reporting in Pakistan in 2002, Daniel was
    kidnaped and murdered by terrorists. His only crime was being a Jewish
    American, something Daniel Pearl would never deny. In his final moments,
    Daniel told his captors about a street in Israel named

    [[Page 1535]]

    for his great-grandfather. He looked into their camera, and he said,
    ``My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish, and I'm Jewish.'' These words have become a
    source of inspiration for Americans of all faiths. They show the courage
    of a man who refused to bow before terror and the strength of a spirit
    that could not be broken.
        Daniel's memory remains close to our hearts. Those who knew him best
    remember a gifted writer who loved the violin and made friends wherever
    he went. We're honored that Daniel's parents, Ruth and Judea, have joined us today.
    We thank them for their work on behalf of the Daniel Pearl Foundation.
    The foundation helps bring people from different cultures together
    through journalism and music. It's a fitting tribute to Daniel's
    lifelong pursuit of truth and tolerance. By honoring Daniel, we are
    given the opportunity to bring forth hope from the darkness of tragedy,
    and that is a miracle worth celebrating during the Festival of Lights.
        Laura and I wish people of Jewish faith
    around the world a happy Hanukkah. May God bless you all.
        Tonight we will hear a wonderful performance by the Zamir Chorale.
    But first, I ask Ruth and Judea to light the Pearl family menorah and lead the
    blessings.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:27 p.m. in the Grand Foyer at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Attorney General Michael B.
    Mukasey.