National Menorah Lighting In D.C.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNY News Now) — The national Menorah was lit just after sunset on Sunday night in the Nation’s capital.

The ceremony was held on the ellipse in front of the White House and marks the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.

Each night, a candle will be lit until all eight are lit up on the final night of Hanukkah.

Among the participants at this year’s lighting ceremony was Attorney General Merrick Garland.

“Together we must stand up against the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism and together we must stand up against bigotry in any of its forms. Our democracy depends on it,” explained Garland. “As a descendent of those who fled persecution because they were Jewish it is especially meaningful to be here tonight as we light this Menorah in our nation’s capital and under the protection of its laws. May we never stop working to ensure that Americans will always be able to gather today as we are doing tonight to light the Menorah. Thank you and Happy Hanukkah.”