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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 10, 2007
President Bush Hosts Hanukkah Reception
Grand Foyer
State Floor
Holidays at the White House 2007
5:27 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Good evening. Laura and I welcome you to the
White House. Mr. Attorney General, thank you for being here. Secretary
Chertoff, and family. Hanukkah is a time of joy and festivity in the
Jewish religion. We're honored to gather with members of the Jewish
community to celebrate this holiday.
During Hanukkah, we remember an ancient struggle for freedom. More than
two thousand years ago, a cruel tyrant ruled Judea -- and forbade the
Israelites from practicing their religion. A band of brothers came
together to fight this oppression. And against incredible odds, they
liberated the capital city of Jerusalem. As they set about rededicating
the holy temple, they witnessed a great miracle: That purified oil that
was supposed to last for one day burned for eight.
Jewish families commemorate this miracle by lighting the menorah for the
eight nights of Hanukkah. The Talmud instructs families to place the
menorah in public view -- so the entire world can see its light. The
flames remind us that light triumphs over darkness, faith conquers despair,
and the desire for freedom burns inside every man, woman and child.
As we light the Hanukkah candles this year, we pray for those who still
live under the shadow of tyranny. This afternoon, I met with a group of
Jewish immigrants to mark International Human Rights Day. Many of these
men and women fled from religious oppression in countries like Iran and
Syria and the Soviet Union. They came to America because our nation is a
beacon of freedom. And they see a day of hope on the horizon when people
all across the world will worship in freedom. The forces of intolerance
can suppress the menorah -- but they can never extinguish its light.
The menorah we light tonight has special meaning. It once belonged to
Chayim Pearl -- who was the great-grandfather of Wall Street Journal
reporter, Daniel Pearl. While reporting in Pakistan in 2002, Daniel was
kidnapped and murdered by terrorists. His only crime was being a Jewish
American -- something Daniel Pearl would never deny. In his final moments,
Daniel told his captors about a street in Israel named for his
great-grandfather. He looked into their camera and he said, "My father is
Jewish, my mother is Jewish, and I'm Jewish." These words have become a
source of inspiration for Americans of all faiths. They show the courage
of a man who refused to bow before terror -- and the strength of a spirit
that could not be broken.
Daniel's memory remains close to our hearts. Those who knew him best
remember a gifted writer who loved the violin, and made friends wherever he
went. We're honored that Daniel's parents -- Ruth and Judea -- have joined
us today. We thank them for their work on behalf of the Daniel Pearl
Foundation. The foundation helps bring people from different cultures
together through journalism and music. It's a fitting tribute to Daniel's
lifelong pursuit of truth and tolerance. By honoring Daniel, we are given
the opportunity to bring forth hope from the darkness of tragedy -- and
that is a miracle worth celebrating during the Festival of Lights.
Laura and I wish people of Jewish faith around the world a happy Hanukkah.
May God bless you all. Tonight, we will hear a wonderful performance by
the Zamir Chorale. But first I ask Ruth and Judea to light the Pearl
family menorah, and lead the blessings.
END 5:33 P.M. EST
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