The official start of Hanukkah is still a week away, but at the White House, celebrations kicked off early with President Joe and first lady Jill Biden. Accompanied by their grandson Beau Jr. and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, they celebrated the Jewish festival of lights with a reception in the East Room.
“In 1790, a local Jewish leader from Newport, Rhode Island, wrote a letter to President Washington expressing his hope that America would be a nation of religious freedom for all its citizens, a nation which, quote, ‘gives bigotry no sanction and persecution no assistance,” said President Biden in his address.
“Like the ancient Hanukkah story when Jewish Maccabees fought for religious freedom thousands of years ago, a letter to George Washington echoed the same vision for freedom,” he continued. “And ever since, the values and contributions of the Jewish Americans have shaped the very foundation and character of our nation.”
Ahead, see photos of the White House’s 2024 Hanukkah celebration.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images First lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden attend a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, first lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden attend a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, first lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden attend a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, first lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and his grandson Beau Biden Jr. listen to Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove during a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff speaks at a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, first lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and his grandson Beau Biden Jr. at a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, first lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden attend a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, first lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden attend a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.
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2024 White House Hanukkah Celebration
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images Second gentleman Doug Emhoff speaks at a Hanukkah holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 16 in Washington.