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Biden White House hosts Chanukah menorah lighting
'We have to stand against the resurgence of this tide of antisemitism,' US president says
US President Joe Biden denounced rising antisemitism and called for the Senate to confirm his nominee for antisemitism envoy on Wednesday at the White House during the first Chanukah menorah lighting since taking office.
“We have to stand against the resurgence of this tide of antisemitism and other forms of intolerance and hate here at home and around the world,” said Biden. “In that effort, there is no one more qualified than Professor Deborah Lipstadt to be special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism.”
Lipstadt's nomination is stalled and it is unclear when the Foreign Relations Committee will schedule confirmation hearings for the State Department position.
Biden also welcomed new Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog to Washington, saying that he looked forward to working together "to reaffirm the longstanding ties between the US and Israel."
The Israeli Embassy in Washington held its own menorah lighting on Monday.
Joining the president for the fourth night of the Festival of Lights was First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish.
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"As the first Jewish spouse of an American President or Vice President, celebrating Hanukkah... it is humbling," he said. "Our history, our values as Jews, are an essential part of who we are as Americans. Jewish values are American values."
The menorah was lit by Emhoff, Senator Chuck Schumer, Long Island infectious disease expert Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, and Susie Stern, a member of Jewish Democratic Women for Action.
“When Jewish families place menorahs in their windows, we’re proclaiming liberty. We’re exercising the freedom that the Maccabees sought to simply practice their faith, and we’re showing that there’s still light, that even the most fragile flame can be sustained in the tradition and nourish the soul of the people,” said Biden.
“A little bit of light, wherever it is found, can dispel the darkness and illuminate a path forward. Whether it’s in the Temple of Jerusalem or the temple of our democracy, nothing is beyond repair. We can always build back better, and perhaps build back brighter.”