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Build Back BRIGHTER – Hanukkah at the White House

December 3, 2021

Earlier this week, JDCA leaders were thrilled to join President Biden and Vice President Harris for a menorah lighting at the White House. The event was historic in many ways. One of them was that President Biden, acknowledging the first Jewish Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, proclaimed that “this is a White House tradition, but for the first time, it’s a family tradition.” We saw and experienced this tradition on behalf of Jewish Dems across the country, and we were incredibly proud to have been a part of it.

Perhaps most importantly, we’re proud of the role JDCA played in restoring leadership to the White House, and are grateful to the Biden administration for its inclusive approach to the Jewish community and support of policies aligned with our Jewish values. In honor of this meaningful event, we’re sharing some of our favorite moments with all of you.

TOP LEFT: JDCA CEO Halie Soifer, Chair Ron Klein, & Vice-Chair Barbara Goldberg Goldman
BOTTOM LEFT: JDCA CEO Halie Soifer with her former boss, Vice President Kamala Harris
CENTER: JDCA Programming Committee Chair & Board Member Susie Stern lights the menorah
TOP RIGHT: President Biden addressing Jewish Americans celebrating Hanukkah
BOTTOM RIGHT: Susie Stern, Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, Senate Majority Leader Schumer & Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff

At Wednesday’s event, the President told Jewish Americans that we must “not just build back better, but also build back brighter.” President Biden ran on a platform of restoring the soul of America, and that is exactly what he is doing. By bringing responsible and moral leadership back to the White House, as Democrats are delivering historic victories for the American people.