Overview
- Chabad Rabbi Levi Shemtov led the prayers and candle lighting at the third annual Capitol ceremony in the Rayburn Room.
- Senior figures from both parties attended, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, with a broad cross-party roster of House members present.
- Mike Johnson arrived after handling House floor business on the defense bill and took part in the closing moments of the program.
- Schumer invoked Hanukkah’s theme of perseverance, reaffirmed an ironclad commitment to combat antisemitism and to Israel’s right to exist, and noted the reunification of living hostages taken in 2023.
- Johnson highlighted a Menorah made from steel of missiles intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and referenced a recent joint bid with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to nominate President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.