For the first time in the Nation's history, a Hanukkah Menorah is lit at the White House. As you read the President's statement, reflect on the following: What makes America great is that in America, the great majority, not only tolerates, but, by Constitutional Law, is required to respect and indeed honor the rights of minorities. While America has certainly not always lived up to the Constitution, it is the only country on earth that has ever had this concept at its legal center for over 225 consecutive years. It is America's continued insistence that this be our primary national priority that truly does make us the last best hope for mankind.

Remarks by the President on Lighting the Menorah at The White House:

"Tonight, for the first time in American history, the Hanukkah menorah will be lit at the White House residence. It's a symbol that this house may be a temporary home for Laura and me, but it's the people's house, and it belongs to people of all faiths.
"The magnificent menorah before us was crafted over a century ago in the city of Lvov, which was an important center of Jewish life and culture. "The Jews of Lvov fell victim to the horror of the Nazi Holocaust, but their great menorah survived. And as God promised Abraham, the people of Israel still live.
"This has been a year of much sadness in the United States, and for our friends in Israel. America and Israel have been through much together. "This year we have grieved together. But as we watch the lighting of this second candle of Hanukkah, we're reminded of the ancient story of Israel's courage and of the power of faith to make the darkness bright. We can see the heroic spirit of the Macabees lives on in Israel today, and we trust that a better day is coming, when this Festival of Freedom will be celebrated in a world free from terror.
"Laura and I wish all the people of Jewish faith in America and Israel and around the world many joyous Hanukkahs in the years ahead."