Hanukkah unity, mourning terror victims, confronting Iran and antisemitism, affirming Israel and Jewish security worldwide.
White House Hanukkah: Trump Frames Jewish Survival as Global Moral Test
US President Donald Trump marked the third night of Hanukkah with a second White House celebration, joined by political allies, Jewish leaders, and Holocaust survivors, transforming the event into a forceful statement against antisemitism, terror, and denial.
Opening his remarks, Trump addressed the Sydney Hanukkah massacre, where at least 15 Jews were murdered at Bondi Beach. Calling the attack “horrific” and “antisemitic terrorism,” he extended prayers to Australia and emphasized that the Jewish people are not alone.
“We’re joined in mourning those who were killed, and we’re praying for the swift recovery of the wounded,” he said, stressing that radical Islamic terrorism is a global threat requiring unified resistance—not excuses or moral confusion.
Trump directly linked the Sydney attack to October 7, condemning the growing movement that denies Hamas atrocities just as Holocaust deniers distort history. He warned that denial is not ignorance—it is the next stage of hate.
“I’ve seen the footage. There’s no denying it,” Trump said, rejecting claims that evidence of Hamas brutality was fabricated. He pledged decisive action from his administration and the Justice Department against extremist ideologies taking root in the West.
Turning to Israel’s security, Trump highlighted US military cooperation in intercepting Iranian drone attacks, dismissing claims that drones outperform air power. He detailed the June US strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, describing precision night operations that obliterated Iran’s nuclear ambitions, later confirmed by international inspectors—despite media skepticism.
Trump credited the Abraham Accords and regional normalization for reshaping the Middle East, asserting that a growing coalition of nations now stands ready to confront Hezbollah and Iran’s terror proxies. He said Hamas understands that renewed aggression would bring severe consequences.
He also addressed the return of Israeli hostages, including the remains of murdered young Israelis, calling the effort deeply personal and a point of pride for his presidency.
Domestically, Trump warned of rising antisemitism in Congress and on campuses, naming elite universities where Jewish students face intimidation. He criticized radical lawmakers and vowed continued deportations of foreign jihadist sympathizers, citing his earlier executive orders as the strongest ever enacted to combat antisemitism.
Closing the evening, Trump reaffirmed his commitment:
“As President of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans… We love you, and we love Israel.”
Invoking the meaning of Hanukkah, he concluded that light will defeat darkness, faith will overcome fear, and Jewish survival will not be negotiated.
