Gary Fitleberg, December 30, 2003

At a White House menorah-lighting ceremony at the to mark Chanukah, President George W. Bush prayed for Americans serving in the armed forces and expressed his hope that all people who live under oppression would one day be free.

"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," President Bush said before candles were lighted in a Chanukah menorah standing three-feet tall and is more than two centuries old.

Bush added, "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."

Hebrew blessings for Chanukah, an eight-day holiday celebrating freedom from oppression and tyranny were read by Jacob Murphy, age six, of Jacksonville, N.C.; and Sidney Hallem, age 6, whose father Lt. Col. Wayne Hallem, recently returned from Okinawa, Japan and is based at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

Jacob struggled to light the wicks but got a boost from his father, Capt. Neil Murphy, a member of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which returned from Iraq in June.

Before leaving for Camp David, Bush hosted more than 300 people at a Chanukah reception, the last holiday party at the White House this season.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2003 Gary Fitleberg