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President Hosts Annual White House Hanukkah Reception

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday evening, President Bush hosted his annual Hanukkah reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House. In his remarks (full text), the President said in part:

This Hanukkah we celebrate another miraculous victory -- the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. When President Harry Truman led the world in recognizing Israel in May of 1948, many wondered whether the small nation could possibly survive.... Like the Maccabees, Israel has defended itself bravely against enemies seeking its destruction. And today, Israel is a light unto the nations -- and one of America's closest friends.

This evening, we have the great privilege of celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary and Hanukkah in a very special way. Thanks to the generosity of the Truman Library, we are fortunate to light the menorah presented to President Truman in 1951 as a symbol of friendship by Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

After the President's speech, the Truman menorah was lit by the grandson of Harry Truman and the grandson of David Ben-Gurion. A video of the entire program is available on the White House website.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 16, 2008 (boomark / email).