December 11, 2023

President Joe Biden hosted a White House gathering on Monday evening to

observe Hanukkah, commemorating the festival of lights. During the event, he reiterated his condemnation of the increasing antisemitism in the United States and worldwide, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Joined by the first lady, Jill Biden, and second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, the reception included around 800 guests, such as Holocaust survivors, members of Congress, state and local officials, entertainers, and leaders from various Jewish denominations.

The celebration, which runs from December 7 to Friday, involves the nightly lighting of a menorah. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the Senior Rabbi at Central Synagogue in New York City, led the White House reception, featuring menorah lighting by Emhoff and White House staff with ties to Holocaust survivors.

President Biden highlighted the timeless message of miracles in the Hanukkah story and emphasized finding light even in challenging times. In May, the Biden administration introduced the first-ever national strategy to combat antisemitism, outlining over 100 actions to raise awareness and address the threat of antisemitism across the U.S.

Despite these efforts, antisemitism has intensified in some quarters, especially since the October 7 attack by Hamas, sparking the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Biden administration has advocated for humanitarian cease-fires, but the fighting persists.

Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, is the first Jewish spouse of a nationally elected leader in the U.S. Last week, he presided over the White House menorah lighting ceremony, expressing concern for American Jews feeling alone and in pain.

The White House supported a temporary pause in the fighting, which has since expired, and is currently pushing for another truce. The situation remains complex, with ongoing criticism and concerns over the Palestinian death toll.