US President Joe Biden released a statement wishing a happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate on Sunday, commemorating the first night of the Jewish holiday.
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Hanukkah, also known as the "Festival of Lights," honors the rededication of Jewish worship at the Second Temple following its desecration.
"At its core, Hanukkah recounts a story at the heart of the human spirit – one that is inherently Jewish and undeniably American," the president said in a White House press statement.
At its core, Hanukkah recounts a story at the heart of the human spirit — one that is inherently Jewish and undeniably American. From my family to yours, we wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 28, 2021
Biden compared the holiday to Thanksgiving in that it focuses on giving thanks for the miracles in one's life, like the miracle of Hanukkah, where oil which was expected to light the Temple for only one day lasted eight.
"It teaches us that even a little bit of light, wherever it is found, can dispel the darkness and illuminate a path forward," he continued.
"And it reminds us that whether it is the Holy Temple in Jerusalem or the temple of our democracy, nothing broken or profaned is beyond repair," the statement added.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also sent holiday greetings from his family, through his Twitter account.
"Happy Hanukkah! May this festival bring hope to build back a brighter future – and may we all remember that 'a little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness.' Chag Sameach [happy holiday], from my family to yours," he tweeted.
Happy Hanukkah! May this festival bring hope to build back a brighter future -- and may we all remember that "a little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness." Chag Sameach, from my family to yours. pic.twitter.com/YwdHyJN0CO
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 28, 2021
Other officials, including former President Barack Obama, also celebrated the start of the holiday.
"From our family to yours, Happy Hanukkah and Chag Sameach! Over the next eight days, may we celebrate the many blessings in our own lives, and be reminded of the enduring power of hope," Obama tweeted.
From our family to yours, Happy Hanukkah and Chag Sameach! Over the next eight days, may we celebrate the many blessings in our own lives, and be reminded of the enduring power of hope.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 28, 2021
The holiday is observed by Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, who is the first Jewish spouse to serve next to a president or vice president at the White House.
Former President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner were among those under the Trump administration who observed the Jewish holiday.
i24NEWS contributed to this report
