For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 26, 2002
Presidential Message: Hanukkah, 2002
I am pleased to send greetings to everyone celebrating Hanukkah, the
festival of lights.
For eight days and nights, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication
of
the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the ancient story of Israel's
courageous faith. In a victorious struggle against their
oppressors,
the Maccabees heroically overcame enormous odds to liberate the
ancient kingdom of Israel. Hanukkah reminds us that faith can give
us the strength to overcome oppression. Today, the spirit of the
Maccabees continues to live and thrive among the Jewish people and
in
the State of Israel.
During the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews throughout the world gather
with family and friends to rejoice and celebrate. Each night, they
light a branch of the menorah to commemorate the miracle of the
lamp
that, with only enough oil for one day, burned in the ancient
Temple
for eight days. The festival of lights culminates on the eighth
night when all the candles burn in unity, symbolizing the eternal
light of the Temple and the long-standing struggle of the Jewish
people against adversity.
Americans join in thanking God for our blessings and renew our
commitment to the values of faith, family, and community that make
us
strong. The candles of Hanukkah remind us that in the face of
darkness, goodness will prevail.
Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a joyous Hanukkah.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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