Just 11 minutes after Israel declared
its independence on May 14, 1948, American President Harry S. Truman recognized
the new State. This action marked the beginning of a relationship based on
common values and characterized by a deep friendship and mutual respect.
The special relationship between
Israel and the United States is a key element in Israel’s political strength
and power. This relationship also has strategic significance for the State of
Israel.
In the early 1980’s, Israel was
considered to be a strategic asset for the United States and was noted as such
(1987) in legislation passed a year earlier as its main non-NATO ally.
The friendship between Israel and the
United States is bolstered by the supportive American Jewish community and
large portions of the American people.
Menorah
The Hanukkah festival marks the
Maccabean victory over their enemies – the Hellenistic monarchy of the House of
Seleucus, as well as the miracle that took place in the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem. It is customary to light candles on each of the eight nights of
Hanukkah, setting them near the entrance to the home in order to make the
miracle known.
In the year 167 BCE the Hellenistic
king Antiochus IV forbade the Jewish residents of Eretz Israel to study the
Torah and to perform the Jewish mitzvahs. Mattathias the Hasmonean and his sons
led the people’s revolt against the cruel regime, and after harsh battles
successfully freed Jerusalem and the Temple.
The Babylonian Talmud (tractate
Shabbat 21:2) describes how the Maccabees found only one small cruse of pure
oil, enough to light the Temple menorah for just one day. But a miracle
occurred and the oil lasted for eight days, until more pure oil could be
prepared. In honor of that miracle, it was determined that the festival would
last eight days.
For the Jewish people, the Hanukkah
candles symbolize the victory of good over evil and of justice over injustice.
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