The Annual National Menorah Lighting ceremony took place on December 7 at the Ellipse of the White House in Washington, DC. The event was attended by numerous guests, including Holocaust survivors, lawmakers, and various Jewish leaders, to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah.
However, controversy arose as it was revealed that several family members of US citizens believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas had requested invitations to the Hanukkah reception at the White House but never received them. Ruby Chen, whose son Itay is a reservist missing since the militant group’s attacks on Israel, stated that a number of families of American hostages were in Washington, DC, this week and had reached out to the White House asking to attend the reception but were not invited. A White House spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
President Joe Biden, speaking at the event, addressed the ongoing efforts of his administration to secure the release of the remaining hostages and to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. He expressed determination to continue working with Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian counterparts until all the hostages are returned home.
According to the White House, there are still seven American men and one woman unaccounted for since the Israel-Hamas war began. Four Americans, including a 4-year-old girl and three women, have been released.
Despite formal hostage negotiations falling apart, the Biden administration continues to be in close contact with their Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian counterparts about ways to get more hostages out, according to officials. Families of the missing Americans have had opportunities to speak or meet with the president, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Vice President Kamala Harris. However, some families have expressed frustration and anxiety over the lack of progress and have called on the White House to consider making a side deal with Hamas focused on the American hostages.
President Biden also reaffirmed his support for the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel, stating that the US will continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas. However, he warned that public support for Israel could change swiftly if not careful.
This story has been updated with additional details, and CNN’s Donald Judd contributed to this report.