[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.