President Barack Obama
President Barack ObamaReuters

President Barack Obama released his yearly message Friday, wishing Jewish people around the world a happy Hanukkah.

"Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world," the president says in his 2012 statement.

“This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of the Maccabees who rose up to liberate their people from oppression. Upon discovering the desecration of their Temple, the believers found only enough oil to light the lamp for one night. And yet it lasted for eight,” the statement continues.

“Hanukkah is a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but it is also an opportunity for people of all faiths to recognize the common aspirations we share. This holiday season, let us give thanks for the blessings we enjoy, and remain mindful of those who are suffering. And let us reaffirm our commitment to building a better, more complete world for all.”

“From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach,” concludes the president in his 2012 greeting.

However, much like the miraculous oil that “managed to burn for an impossible eight days, it seems that Obama's press team has made the 2009 White House Hanukkah statement last for four long years,” reports Gawker.com, which dubbed the evident lack of presidential consideration “Obamannukah.”

In 2009, the president’s almost identical message began by saying, “Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Hanukkah around the world.”

“Hanukkah is not only a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but for people of all faiths to celebrate the common aspirations we share,” reads an excerpt from the statement.  

Similarly, in 2011 Obama reaffirmed the holiday greetings with the almost indistinguishable words saying,  “Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world.”

“This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of a band of believers who rose up and freed their people, only to discover that the oil left in their desecrated temple – which should have been enough for only one night – ended up lasting for eight,” the president said.  

“From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach.”

The questionable lack of presidential consideration simply led Gawker.com to conclude “Oy vey.”