[Introduced by Rabbi Levi Shemtov: Director, Washington Office of the American Friends of Lubavitch]

Thank you for the opportunity to join with you in this annual celebration of this Festival of Lights. As the landlord, it is great to see happy users of our lands.

I am especially pleased to be here on this silver anniversary of lighting the National Hanukkah Menorah. For the last two-and-a-half decades, the golden flames of this menorah have lit the lands of our Capital City.

The Capital is so often a place where our differences and disagreements occupy our attention. During this season of peace and joy, it is time to put our differences aside, and to reflect on where we as human beings fit in God's creation.

Hanukkah reminds us of the power of a single act to illuminate the world. Twenty-five years ago, this national tradition was struck by a spark set by the American Friends of Lubavitch.

But tonight's light was actually kindled more than two thousand years ago, as our young essay winners described so well.

The Maccabees seemed far too small to conquer a great army. But the flames they kindled leaped across the land, bringing hope and winning freedom.

A lamp, which only had enough oil for a single day, lit the temple for eight. Other days of darkness have come to the Jewish people. But each year, the eight candles of Hanukkah are relit. They have outshone the darkness of persecution; they have outlasted the darkness of tyranny. They continue to light the world today.

The candles shine with the message of hope, with the promise of freedom. They remind us of those who are even now defending our freedoms - all the brave people who fight violence and terror. They are truly our candles against the darkness.

All across our nation, families will gather - mothers, fathers and children - to enjoy the warmth and love of this holiday season. We will give thanks that we are blessed with religious freedom, to openly observe religious traditions. That freedom is spreading around the world.

Eight nights from now, the lights of Hanukkah will again be extinguished. But they will take with them the hope of renewal, the promise of a single spark.

On behalf of the President, the Vice President and the administration, I wish you a very happy Hanukkah.

Thank you.