“As president of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans, and I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people,” US President Donald Trump told attendees of the White House’s Hanukkah celebration on Tuesday. “We love you, and we love Israel,” he added.
During his speech, Trump drew extensive parallels between the story of Hanukkah and the story of the modern Jewish people’s resilience and strength.
This was particularly pertinent given the recent antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on the first night of the holiday.
“Let me take a moment to send love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack,” Trump said. “We’ve joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we’re praying for the swift recovery of the wounded. Some are very horrifically wounded, as you probably know. All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism.”
He spoke of the denial of antisemitic terror and how Holocaust denial is sometimes written off because it “was many years ago.”
“Well, October 7 is not many years [ago] at all, [nor is Australia]. And you have people that deny October [7]. I saw tape [of October 7 footage]. Actually, I wish I never saw it. As president, I got to see things I wish I never saw, but there’s no denying it.”
He connected this to the story of Hanukkah more than 2,000 years ago in ancient Jerusalem when the “oppressive tyrant – and they were really oppressive – tried [to destroy the Jewish people].”
“By the way, a lot of things don’t change so much. They’d be oppressive today if you didn’t have strength,” he quipped.
Continuing with the story, Trump narrated that “against overwhelming odds, a small band of Jewish fighters rose up to defend the Jewish people’s right to worship freely. When they reclaimed the holy temple, they found only a single flask of sacred oil, just enough to keep the menorah’s light burning for one night. Yet, as the story goes, that small flame endured for eight days.
“For thousands of years, the miracle of Hanukkah has reminded us of God’s love for the Jewish people, as well as their enduring resilience and faith in the face of centuries of persecution. Centuries, and it continues. It continues. Who would believe this could continue?”
Trump's commitment to supporting the Jewish people
He expressed his commitment to supporting the Jewish people in their fight through his commitment to the State of Israel, listing various achievements, such as the termination of Obama’s Iran deal, the Abraham Accords, the provision of weapons and fighter jets to Israel, and, in general, the US’s ongoing military support of Israel.
Trump also spoke about his recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2021.
“I heard so much about [the] Golan Heights from so many people, and I actually asked David Friedman, and I asked him, 'David, tell me about the Golan Heights in five minutes or less.' After two minutes, I said, “I understand. You need it so badly for so many other reasons. You need it. You need it for defense.”
“I learned enough, and I signed the Golan Heights over to Israel. Nobody thought that was possible to get. They’ve been working on it for 70 years. And I said, ‘Good luck to you.’”
Trump then joked that once he discovered the value of the region (“trillions of dollars”), he realized maybe he should have “asked for something in return.”
Miriam Adelson, an Israeli-American physician, businesswoman, philanthropist, and conservative political donor, was also invited to the stage so Trump could thank her for “indirectly and directly donating $250 million to [his reelection] campaign.”
While on stage, Adelson asked Trump to consider running for a third four-year term as president.
Before leaving the stage, she turned to him and said, “Think about it. I’ll give you another $250 [million].”
Mark Levin, the lawyer, writer, and political commentator, also spoke. “Six years ago, I was up here, and I said, ‘This is our first Jewish president,’” Levin said. “Now, he’s the first Jewish president to serve two non-consecutive presidencies. We thank you for everything.”
Trump ended with a message of hope prevailing against evil: “The story of Hanukkah reminds us that light will always prevail over darkness and faith and triumph over fear. Together, let us honor the eternal flame and the faith that has always protected the Jewish people. You are protected. You are special, special people. I want to wish you all a happy Hanukkah.”