US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden marked the first night of Hanukkah on Wednesday evening with the lighting of the "White House Menorah," made from wood taken from the foundation of the White House, Biden stated on X/Twitter.
Two years ago, Jill and I introduced the first-ever White House Menorah made from historic wood sourced from the foundation.As Hanukkah begins, it is displayed to make clear that the history of the Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America.Like this menorah, it's… pic.twitter.com/3lj946yE0H
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 26, 2024
"Two years ago, Jill and I introduced the first-ever White House Menorah made from historic wood sourced from the foundation," Biden wrote. "As Hanukkah begins, it is displayed to make clear that the history of the Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America. Like this menorah, it's permanent."
Last week, Biden hosted the final Hanukkah celebration of his administration and his last formal Jewish gathering as president, where he preached hope and support for Israel.
“I’ve said many times before, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent nation-state remains ironclad,” he said.
Biden also spoke of the hostages still held in Gaza, stating, “I’ve gotten over 100 hostages out. I will not stop until I get every single one of them out.”
In December 2021, Biden commemorated the first White House Hanukkah celebration with Jewish second gentleman Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The history of Hanukkah
Hanukkah, Hebrew for “dedication,” commemorates the 2nd century BC victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in a revolt in Judea and the ensuing restoration of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
Light is a main theme of the eight-day festival because, Jewish tradition says, the Maccabees found only enough ritually pure oil to fuel the temple’s ceremonial lamp, The Menorah, for one day, but it burned for eight days.
Hannah Sarisohn contributed to this report.