Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud) spoke at the year's first Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at the Kotel.
"We find ourselves in one of, if not the closest place to where the miracle of the oil occurred," he said. "During that time, the Greeks wanted to remove the Jewish people's faith, their spirituality. They understood the source of the Jewish people's strength - they didn't succeed."
Erdan continued: "The Jewish people's source of strength is found in our faith in the Creator of the World and, of course, our believe that he will support and aid us in all of our difficulties. Both then and now there are those who ask how long we will live by the sword. These are not simple questions and we need to solve them.
"Tonight we lit the first candle of Hanukkah together with the dear officers of the Border Police. They are protecting Israeli citizens with their bodies every day. The Jewish people can rely on them, can believe in them. Here are His representatives who will continue to defend the Jewish people for many years to come. Happy holiday."