Shreveport Reporter

This afternoon, Speaker Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries hosted the second annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Washington to mark the beginning of Hanukkah. Rabbi Levi Shemtov participated in the event alongside these Congressional leaders.

Speaker Johnson addressed those gathered with a message of hope and resilience. "It’s my pleasure to welcome everyone here and wish you a Happy Hannukah," he began. He noted that this was only his second time participating in such an event as Speaker of the House. Last year marked the first official menorah lighting at the Capitol.

This year's ceremony featured a unique menorah presented to Speaker Johnson by Rabbi Shemtov and assistants from Leader Jeffries' office. "It’s actually made from the shrapnel of rockets that were shot down by the IDF and then smelted together by an Israeli artisan," explained Johnson, highlighting its symbolic significance.

Johnson reflected on Hanukkah's themes: "That in the face of darkness, light bursts forth." He acknowledged challenges faced by Jewish-Americans throughout 2024 but praised their resilience. "Yet, in the face of vitriol and war, the Jewish people have shown unshakeable strength," he stated.

The Speaker invoked Prime Minister Netanyahu's words about Israel's struggle as a fight between light and darkness. As they lit the first candle, Johnson urged attendees to remember their inner light and faith: "We can rejoice in hope of victory."