Political Quotes

“a very brief comment on this time of year, with a few reflections on a very special time--Hanukkah. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity, once again, to visit the State of Israel. I say without reserve, the land of Israel touches my soul. It does so when you are there and you have that opportunity to visit the Old City, to visit the Western Wall. I took the opportunity to meet with Israelis from all walks of life, visiting several of the hospitals there, and visiting my professional colleagues in medicine. I came to appreciate even more deeply the 4,000 years of distinct and vibrant Jewish culture, as well as the Jewish people's hopeful triumph over adversity and persecution. So now, as Jews all over the world begin to prepare for the celebration of Hanukkah, which this year begins on December 25, I invite my colleagues to reflect on its meaning and its relevance to the continuity of Jewish culture and survival. The First Book of Maccabees, a venerated ancient text, tells the story of a revolt against a tyrant, the King Antiochus. King Antiochus was a tyrant, a cruel leader, who attempted to outlaw the practice of Judaism, to forbid the study of Torah, and to compel, to force the worship of idols. Joined by corrupt politicians in the land of Judea, he succeeded for a time.…”