Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog and his wife Shirin hosted a Hanukkah event at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The theme this year was "to be the light." and the event was held in the shadow of the complex security situation and the fact that 100 Israeli hostages are still held captive in Gaza, a year and three months after they were kidnapped during the October 7 massacre.
Congressmembers Virginia Foxx and Daniel Goldman spoke at the event. John Kirby, White House National Security Spokesperson, recited a prayer for the hostages. Several other members of Congress also attended the event, alongside Jewish leaders, journalists, and civil leaders.
As Kirby recited the prayer in English, he choked back tears. A Hebrew version of the prayer was recited by Orit and Moshe Toaff, parents of fallen IDF soldier Captain Daniel Mimon Toaff, aged 23, who was killed when a building exploded in Rafah.
The Hanukkah menorah used during the event was found in the ruins of the Hermesh family's home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza following the October 7 massacre. Despite the complete destruction, the Hanukkah menorah and a pair of tefillin (phylacteries) remained unharmed. Last year, the menorah was lit by US President Joe Biden during the traditional White House Hanukkah event. It was later donated to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., where it serves as a symbol of the Jewish nation's resilience and steadfastness.