President Trump’s Chanukah message: We’ll continue to stand with Jewish people

President Donald Trump issued Chanukah greetings saying “We will continue to stand with the Jewish people in defending the God-given right to worship freely and openly.”

“As the Jewish community gathers together to celebrate this special and sacred time of year, we are reminded of God’s message of hope, mercy, and love,” Trump said in the message dated Dec. 22, the first night of Chanukah. “Throughout the coming eight days, each candle to be lit on the menorah will signal to the world that freedom and justice will always shine brighter than hate and oppression.”

The message from Trump and first lady Melania went out to Jewish people in the United States, Israel and across the world.

“Today, the relationship between the United States and Israel, one of our most cherished allies and friends, is stronger than ever,” he also said before speaking out standing with the Jewish people and free worship.

Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, is Jewish.