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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
December 3, 2007
Hanukkah 2007
I send greetings to all those celebrating
Hanukkah, the festival of lights.
Hanukkah commemorates a victory for freedom
and the courage and faith that made it possible. More than
2,000 years ago, the land of ancient Israel was conquered,
its sacred Temple was desecrated, and the Jewish people
were forbidden to practice their faith. A patriot named
Judah Maccabee and his followers rose up against their oppressors
to take back Jerusalem. When the Maccabees returned to reclaim
and purify their Holy Temple, the oil used for dedication
should have lasted only one day but burned for eight. Every
year since then, Jews have celebrated this victory of light
over darkness and given thanks for the presence of a just
and loving God.
As Jewish Americans prepare to light the
Hanukkah candles, we are reminded of the many blessings
in our lives. The candles' glow has the power to lift our
souls, put hope in our hearts, and make our Nation a more
compassionate and peaceful place. We pray that those who
still live in the darkness of tyranny will someday see the
light of freedom, and we ask for God's continued guidance
and boundless love and His protection of all those in need
during this holiday season.
Laura and I wish all people of the Jewish
faith a Happy Hanukkah.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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