[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 51 (Monday, December 25, 2006)]
[Pages 2180-2181]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 2181]]

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.