Hanukkah at the White House

This time of year marks a cherished Jewish tradition as families come together for eight nights to light the menorah. The tradition began more than 2,000 years ago during the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which followed a trying period when Jews were persecuted for practicing their faith.

Today, the White House is hosting a pair of Hanukkah receptions in celebration of this special time of year. “Melania and I send our warmest greetings to our Jewish brothers and sisters in the United States, in Israel, and around the world celebrating Hanukkah,” President Donald J. Trump said earlier this week.

In his Hanukkah message, President Trump called on Americans to remember the victims at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh whose lives were cut short this past October. “As one Nation, we pledge our continued love and support for the victims, their families, and the community, and we pray that the victims’ families find some measure of peace and comfort during this holiday season,” he said.

“Over the coming days, may the warming glow of each candle on the menorah help fill homes and hearts with love and happiness.”

Watch President Trump deliver remarks at a White House Hanukkah reception.

Read: The President’s 2018 Message for Hanukkah

Video of the day: A historic anniversary

One year ago today, President Trump announced to the world that the United States would at last move its embassy in Israel to the country’s rightful capital of Jerusalem.

“While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering,” President Trump said.

Watch President Trump make the historic announcement.

Looking back: First Lady Melania Trump at the G20 Summit

Last weekend, First Lady Melania Trump accompanied the President to the 2018 G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With a number of world leaders assembled, the First Lady participated in a series of events hosted by Juliana Awada, the First Lady of Argentina.

On Saturday, Mrs. Trump attended the official spousal program at the Buenos Aires Museum of Latin American Art, which houses a collection of 400 pieces. The First Lady joined the other partners for a presentation by the First Lady of Argentina, who spoke on the importance of Argentina’s National Plan on Early Childhood.

Mrs. Trump signed a chair designed by a local artist at the end of the presentation, showing support for Argentina’s early childhood programs—an area of focus similar to her own Be Best initiative. “Thank you to both President Macri and Ms. Awada for the wonderful hospitality,” the First Lady said.

Watch First Lady Melania Trump at the G20 Summit in Argentina