Hanukkah Reception, 2019

This photograph was taken by Andrea Hanks on December 11, 2019, during an afternoon Hanukkah reception hosted by President Donald Trump in the East Room. That day, two Hanukkah receptions were held at the White House, following a precedent established by President Barack Obama in 2013. Here, President Trump greets Austin Polonski, a 12-year-old supporter from San Francisco, California. At right is a menorah borrowed for the ceremony, which was sculpted from Kassam rocket metal contributed to the ceremony by artist Yaron Bob of Yated, Israel. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter formally observed Hanukkah by participating in the National Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse. Since then, presidents have participated in Hanukkah observances and menorah lighting ceremonies. Hanukkah receptions have been a traditional part of holiday celebrations at the White House since 2001.