President Trump Issues Heartfelt Hanukkah Message Amid Global Tragedy, Urges Jewish Communities to “Celebrate Proudly”

In a poignant and timely presidential message released on Sunday night, President Donald J. Trump extended warm Hanukkah greetings to Jewish communities across the United States and around the world, just hours after a devastating terrorist attack targeted a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. The statement, posted on the White House website and widely shared, comes as the eight-day Festival of Lights begins under a shadow of grief and heightened security concerns.

The official message reads: “I extend my warmest greetings to the Jewish community in the United States and all around the world as they begin their celebration of Hanukkah—the Festival of Lights and a joyous season of reflection and hope.” President Trump went on to recount the ancient miracle commemorated by the holiday, noting how a small band of Maccabees reclaimed their temple and found enough oil to light the menorah for eight days despite having only enough for one. “In remembrance of this great miracle, over the next 8 days, families and loved ones will gather to light the menorah, which serves as an enduring symbol of light’s victory over darkness and the eternal triumph of good over evil,” the statement continued.

Emphasizing resilience and faith, Trump pledged unwavering support: “This holiday season, my Administration continues to stand firmly with the Jewish people and defend the right of every believer to worship freely and without fear of persecution. The flames of Hanukkah stand as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people and of the spirit that continues to guide our Nation toward a brighter future.” The message concluded with a simple yet powerful “Happy Hanukkah!”

The timing of the proclamation has added emotional weight, coinciding with the start of Hanukkah on Sunday evening, December 14, 2025. Tragically, that same day saw a horrific mass shooting at a “Hanukkah by the Sea” event at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. Reports indicate at least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in what Australian authorities have classified as a targeted terrorist attack on the Jewish community. A brave bystander, identified in some accounts as Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled one of the gunmen, potentially saving countless lives.

In subsequent remarks during a White House Christmas reception on Sunday, President Trump directly addressed the attack, declaring, “We’re here to celebrate Christmas and today—we can say LOUDLY, we celebrate Hanukkah. That was a horrible, purely antisemitic attack.” He praised the heroism displayed in Sydney and urged Jewish Americans not to live in fear. Speaking to reporters, Trump encouraged celebrants to “celebrate proudly—be proud of who you are,” emphasizing that safety concerns should not dim the holiday’s spirit.

Vice President JD Vance echoed these sentiments on social media, wishing Jewish friends a Happy Hanukkah while calling for prayers for the Sydney victims. The attack has prompted increased security at Hanukkah events worldwide, including public menorah lightings in major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, runs from December 14 to December 22 this year. Families traditionally light the menorah each night, adding one candle progressively, play dreidel games, exchange gifts, and enjoy oil-fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to symbolize the miracle of the oil. Despite the somber backdrop, community leaders have vowed to proceed with celebrations, viewing the holiday’s message of light overcoming darkness as more relevant than ever.

President Trump’s message continues a longstanding White House tradition of recognizing Hanukkah, but this year’s statement resonates deeply amid rising reports of antisemitism globally. His administration has prioritized religious liberty, including recent initiatives to combat discrimination against faith communities.

As Jewish families gather this week to kindle the menorah’s flames, Trump’s words serve as a beacon of solidarity: a reminder that even in dark times, hope and resilience endure. Security experts advise vigilance at public events, but the prevailing call—from the President and community alike—is to embrace the holiday’s joy without surrender to fear.