Anti-Semites Included: Leaders of the World Wish Happy Chanukah
Chanukah, which began last night, brought with it a multitude of blessings and best wishes from leaders around the world. Also wishing were some leaders who are not known as Jewish or Israeli enthusiasts. Come and be blessed
Among the first to congratulate was United States President Donald Trump, who is known for his affection for Israel and the fact that his daughter is Jewish. "Melania and I send warm wishes to the Jews of the United States, Israel, and the world celebrating eight days of Chanukah," Trump wrote in his Twitter account last night. The White House marked the holiday a week ago, at a party in which Trump signed a presidential decree giving a broad definition of anti-Semitism, so criticizing Israel or comparing it to Nazi Germany would consider anti-Semitism.
President Trump's Jewish daughter and one of his closest advisers, Ivanka Yael Trump, posted in her Twitter account a picture of her daughter lighting Chanukah candles and adding a greeting as well. "Happy Hanukkah!", Ivanka wrote, "that your holidays be full of happiness, love and light." She signed the greeting with the traditional Jewish wish "Happy Chanukah".
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To the full articleIvanka and Jarred Kushner light a menorah (screenshot: Twitter)
Ivanka and Jarred Kushner light a menorah, December 25, 2016 (Photo: Twitter, screenshot)
The newcomer was also joined by the newly elected Prime Minister of England. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also posted in his Twitter account a greeting. "Britain would not be Britain without its Jewish community," Johnson stated. "We will stand with you and celebrate with you - on Chanukah and throughout the year," the elected prime minister promised.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also among the welcome. Trudeau issued a lengthy statement explaining Chanukah celebrations, saying that the holiday is an opportunity to recall the challenges facing Jewish communities in the world that are still suffering from anti-Semitism. "Today, recognizing the significant contribution that Canadian Jews make to our community, we are again committed to countering anti-Semitism," Trudeau promised, ending his blessing with a happy Chanukah wish on behalf of all citizens of Canada.
We come to darkness to expel, Trudeau (Photo: Reuters)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa, March 1, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
Not only leaders known for their affection for Israel
Just a week ago, Jeremy Corbyn was defeated by Boris Johnson in the UK parliamentary election. Over the past few years, Corbyn has made several anti-Semitic statements, supported the boycott movement on Israel and even placed strangers on terrorist graves. Throughout the election campaign, Corbyn tried to shake off the anti-Semitic image he was sticking with, without much success, and perhaps as a direct continuation of this he posted a holiday greeting: "I want to wish a happy Chanukah to all those celebrating in the UK and around the world and it is just time to reflect on the message of hope so central to Chanukah" , Corbyn said in a Twitter video he posted.
Among the surprising wishers is Turkish President Erdogan. Israeli-Turkish relations have known ups and downs in recent years, but that did not stop Erdogan from greeting the Jews. On the Hurry Daily News website, Erdogan was quoted as saying: "I send my greetings to the entire Jewish community on the occasion of Chanukah and wish them peace and happiness."
Another surprising blessing came from U.S. Senator Ilhan Omar. The Muslim senator who is known for her lack of sympathy for Israel and even in support of the Minnesota BDS movement wrote that she wishes the Jewish community in Minnesota and all over the world to celebrate Chanukah, "Happy Holidays this year." She signed the greeting with the Hebrew words "Happy Hanukkah".
Trump influenced Erdogan? (Photo: Reuters)
US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at NATO Conference in UK, December 4, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
