Herbert London on the joys of Chanukah at the White House

New York Sun ^ | December 23, 2005 | Herbert London

[JBGUSA]

Incongruous Scene

Of course, Muslim denunciation of Christians and Jews is widely accepted. On an Egyptian television children’s special, Jews were recently described as having "turned into apes,"....

*snip*

President Bush and Mrs. Bush greeted everyone with their usual cordiality. In fact, the president lit Chanukah candles and proceeded to tell the tale of this celebration.

*snip*

There they were, 10 bearded men, bobbing up and down in prayer, in of all places the Dolley Madison room at the White House.

I could not conceive of a more incongruous scene. Here in what is ostensibly a Christian country, in a White House led by a born-again Christian, one can find chasidim praying in the Dolley Madison room.

The more I thought about this remarkable event and the contrast to the Muslim world, the more I came to realize what we are fighting to preserve and why this fight is so critical.

As I stood in the second floor corridor, tears were rolling down my cheeks. Yes, I have a love affair with America. I love our history, our traditions, and our tolerance. I recognize national imperfections, but despite them, there isn’t any nation in the world that can reproduce the prayer service I observed on December 6.That was the essence of America.

Perhaps it was hyperbole when Nathan Hale said: “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” Hyperbole or not, that is the sentiment that should inspire us for 2006. It is the spirit we need to sustain us. For doubters,I refer them to the scene I described in the Dolley Madison room. Only in America could it be found.

*snip*

[JBGUSA]

A short, very stirring story of patriotism and the reasons for it.

[onedoug]

Judeo-Christian America!

[i.l.e.]

holiday candles and holiday trees.

[JBGUSA]

onedoug wrote: Judeo-Christian America!

It's been a great tradition. Others are welcome as long as they accept the precepts of tolerance, inclusion and peace and good for all.

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

Herbert I. London is one of my personal political heroes.

One of the few people who've entered politics-even if only as a novice-that I actually admire more today then when they started.

If there were any justice in this world, then the next governor would be someone like him, not the power-mad putz known as Elliot Spitzer.

[RnMomof7]

I only wish the Christmas celebration at the White House was as spiritual as the recent Chanukah celebration and that the nativity story had been read, instead of the secular expressions that ignored Christ.