Donald Trump's Hanukkah message was very different to Joe Biden's

President Joe Biden and Donald Trump both issued statements commemorating the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, with the Republican focusing his message around the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Both the current and former president sent messages to mark the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday, December 7. It is observed over the eight nights in the Jewish community by the lighting of a menorah.

The lighting of the candles signifies when the Maccabees lit a menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem. It followed a successful revolt in which the holy city was recaptured from the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV, who had banned Jewish practices during his reign. The flames burnt for eight days and nights in the temple, despite there being only enough oil for one.


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By Ewan Palmer
News Reporter
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President Joe Biden and Donald Trump both issued statements commemorating the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, with the Republican focusing his message around the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Both the current and former president sent messages to mark the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday, December 7. It is observed over the eight nights in the Jewish community by the lighting of a menorah.

The lighting of the candles signifies when the Maccabees lit a menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem. It followed a successful revolt in which the holy city was recaptured from the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV, who had banned Jewish practices during his reign. The flames burnt for eight days and nights in the temple, despite there being only enough oil for one.


Biden marked the start of Hanukkah with a post on X, formerly Twitter, showing a photo of a menorah at the White House with its first candle lit.

"The story of Hanukkah teaches us that even a little bit of light, wherever it is found, can dispel the darkness and illuminate a path forward," Biden said. "From our family to yours, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!"