US President Joe Biden joined world leaders to mark the start of Hanukkah with messages of support and hope to the Jewish community. In a message shared on cannot be defeated by any force or fear.”
US Vice President Kamala Harris posted a video on X of her and Doug Emhoff, her Jewish husband, lighting Hanukkah candles. “The story of Hanukkah reminds us that even in the darkness, we can find light. We hope the next eight nights bring you hope, joy and love. Happy Hanukkah,” Harris wrote.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to speak in Hebrew to convey his wishes to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the world Jewish community, wishing that “the glow of Hanukkah will illuminate everyone's lives with hope, peace and strength.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for his part, placed emphasis on the integration of the Jewish community into German society. Referring to the large menorah installed alongside the Christmas tree at the Brandenburg Gate, he stressed that “Judaism is an inseparable part” of German identity. Scholz particularly emphasized the symbolism of Hanukkah as “representing hope in dark times.”
