Carol Brady
12-25-2003, 02:16 AM
they just wanted to remind george who's calling the shots
Chanukah at the White House
By Dara Mandell
12/24/2003
WASHINGTON – As he does each year at this time, President Bush invited a select group of Jewish leaders to the White House on Monday to discuss issues of concern to the Jewish community. Afterward, the president and first lady hosted the exclusive White House Chanukah party, invitations to which are much sought after.
Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, described the meeting with Bush as "extremely positive and productive."
According to Hoenlein, the leaders left the White House with the sense that Bush fully understands what Israel is facing.
"The president," he said, "spoke about where he is at, of his clear view and his commitment to sustaining it. He really gets it."
Subjects discussed at the meeting, said Hoenlein and other participants, ranged from global terrorism to the growth of anti-Semitism throughout the world. The president also spoke of Libyan leader Moammar Khaddafi's decision to dismantle his country's illegal weapons systems.
The president said he understood the frustration of Israelis who feel they have no one to talk to in terms of negotiations; he reiterated his belief that Arafat is not interested in peace; and stated that he had no desire to use political pressure to jumpstart peace talks if Arafat remained in power.
After the meeting, President Bush dedicated the menorah lighting ceremony to American servicemen and servicewomen who are away from their loved ones.
"Chanukah celebrates a great miracle and a great victory, the triumph of faith over tyranny," said Bush. "Tonight, as we prepare to light the candles, we hope and pray that all who live under tyranny will see their day of freedom, and that the light of faith will always shine through the darkness.
"We also pray for the brave men and women of our armed forces, many of whom are spending the holiday season far from home and their loved ones. We are grateful for their service to America, we are grateful for the support and sacrifice of their families."
After lighting the shamash candle, the president passed the burning flame to two six-year-old boys, Jacob Murphy and Sidney Hallem, whose fathers are U.S. Marines. The boys then lit the 200-year-old menorah which was lent to the White House by the Spertus Museum of Chicago. The Kol Sasson choral group from the University of Maryland sang Maoz Tzur.
thejewishpress.com (http://www.thejewishpress.com/news_article.asp?article=3199)
Chanukah at the White House
By Dara Mandell
12/24/2003
WASHINGTON – As he does each year at this time, President Bush invited a select group of Jewish leaders to the White House on Monday to discuss issues of concern to the Jewish community. Afterward, the president and first lady hosted the exclusive White House Chanukah party, invitations to which are much sought after.
Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, described the meeting with Bush as "extremely positive and productive."
According to Hoenlein, the leaders left the White House with the sense that Bush fully understands what Israel is facing.
"The president," he said, "spoke about where he is at, of his clear view and his commitment to sustaining it. He really gets it."
Subjects discussed at the meeting, said Hoenlein and other participants, ranged from global terrorism to the growth of anti-Semitism throughout the world. The president also spoke of Libyan leader Moammar Khaddafi's decision to dismantle his country's illegal weapons systems.
The president said he understood the frustration of Israelis who feel they have no one to talk to in terms of negotiations; he reiterated his belief that Arafat is not interested in peace; and stated that he had no desire to use political pressure to jumpstart peace talks if Arafat remained in power.
After the meeting, President Bush dedicated the menorah lighting ceremony to American servicemen and servicewomen who are away from their loved ones.
"Chanukah celebrates a great miracle and a great victory, the triumph of faith over tyranny," said Bush. "Tonight, as we prepare to light the candles, we hope and pray that all who live under tyranny will see their day of freedom, and that the light of faith will always shine through the darkness.
"We also pray for the brave men and women of our armed forces, many of whom are spending the holiday season far from home and their loved ones. We are grateful for their service to America, we are grateful for the support and sacrifice of their families."
After lighting the shamash candle, the president passed the burning flame to two six-year-old boys, Jacob Murphy and Sidney Hallem, whose fathers are U.S. Marines. The boys then lit the 200-year-old menorah which was lent to the White House by the Spertus Museum of Chicago. The Kol Sasson choral group from the University of Maryland sang Maoz Tzur.
thejewishpress.com (http://www.thejewishpress.com/news_article.asp?article=3199)