Wishing those Who Celebrate a Happy Hanukkah; Chag Sameach!

Dec 7, 2012

Happy Hanukkah

Tomorrow night at sundown will mark the beginning of Hanukkah – the Jewish “Festival of Lights.” Hanukkah commemorates the joyous rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after Jews in the land of Israel successfully revolted against brutal foreign rule.

Hanukkah serves as a symbol of the victory of good over evil; of light over darkness. It reminds the Jewish people that their light will never be extinguished.

This is perhaps more important than ever, as America’s closest ally, the democratic, Jewish State of Israel continues to face growing threats from those that seek its destruction. Just last month, a relentless barrage of rocket assaults from Hamas on Israel, and a recent vote at the UN to recognize Palestine as a nonmember observer state, threatened the chances for a real and lasting peace in the Middle East, and Iran still continues to move forward with its nuclear weapons program.

But even in these stressful times, the Jewish state and the Jewish people have displayed an unshakable faith and perseverance, similar to that of their forefathers during the first Hanukkah that will ensure they endure and flourish.

And so, I am happy to wish all my Jewish constituents and friends a very happy Hanukkah. Chag Chanukah Sameach!