White House holiday decorations include Hanukkah menorah for the first time
Various white Houses have celebrated Hanukkah in the past but this is the first time a menorah is an official decoration
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The White House will feature a menorah for the first time as part of its holiday decorations for 2022.
First lady Jill Biden unveiled the White House decorations earlier this week, which are themed as “We the People.”
The Executive Residence Carpentry Shop built the menorah, which is lit on the eight nights of Hanukkah, out of wood removed during the White House renovation conducted during Harry Truman’s presidency. Mr Truman became the first leader to recognize the state of Israel in 1948.
The White House has hosted menorah lightings during Hanukkah in the past, starting with President Jimmy Carter, who held a menorah lighting on the White House lawn in 1979, Business Insider reported. The menorah is located in the White House Cross Hall next to Mr Carter’s portrait.
Similarly, President George W Bush held the first menorah lighting at the White House in 2001. But the menorah this year is the first time that a menorah is featured as an official White House holiday decoration.
The White House will officially light its Christmas tree on Wednesday evening.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments