United States Vice President Joe Biden marked the beginning of the Hanukkah holiday on Tuesday, by taking part in a candle-lighting ceremony on the White House lawn.

"Jewish heritage is American heritage," Biden said.

“The central Jewish notion of religious freedom, of safety in your land, of being treated with dignity in your own community, not only led to the creation of modern Israel but it also formed the bedrock of the United States of America,” said the Vice President.

“Jewish values are such an essential part of who we are that it is fair to say that Jewish heritage is American heritage,” he added.

“Just as Hanukkah lights will grow from the first day to the eighth, just as even those who have achieved good and holy things must never be satisfied with what they’ve achieved yesterday, may you all go from strength to strength,” said Biden.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama sent a greeting of his own to the Jewish people in honor of Hanukkah, in which he expressed hope that the holiday would “embolden us to do what is right”.

“Over the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jews across America, Israel, and the world will remember an ancient triumph of freedom over oppression, and renew their faith in the possibility of miracles large and small,” said Obama.

“Even in the darkest, shortest days of winter, the Festival of Lights brims with possibility and hope.  The courage of the Maccabees reminds us that we too can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.  The candles of the Menorah remind us that even the smallest light has the power to shine through the darkness.  And the miracle at the heart of Hanukkah – the oil that lasted for eight nights instead of only one – reminds us that even when the future is uncertain, our best days are yet to come,” he added.