Using his “one of a kind” personal menorah, which is made from “shrapnel of rockets that were shot down by the IDF and then smelted together by an Israeli artisan” reminds House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) of the “true meaning of Chanukah.”
“In the face of darkness, light bursts forth. In the presence of fear, miracles emerge,” Johnson said during the second annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday. “And in moments of despair, hope springs eternal.”
Johnson’s menorah, which Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch and founder of a Chabad synagogue in Washington, presented to him two months ago, was lit during the ceremony. “I’m very grateful for it,” Johnson said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who is Jewish, and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) were also part of the ceremony.
“We all know that 2024 was a difficult year for Jewish Americans, on college campuses and of course in the land of Israel itself. Yet in the face of vitriol and war, the Jewish people have shown unshakeable strength and optimism and resilience. It’s very inspiring,” Johnson said. “That’s because we believe that the light of truth always overcomes the darkness of terror.”
“As Prime Minister Netanyahu reminds us often, the battle for Israel’s existence is truly a battle between light and darkness. It’s a battle between civilization versus barbarism, good versus evil,” he added. “So, as we ceremonially light the first of these eight candles, we recall the power of light within each of us and we hold onto faith that God has not forgotten His people.”
