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Netanyahu Lights Hanukkah Candle with IDF at Western Wall
Prime minister praises soldiers as modern-day Maccabees defending Israel and Jewish identity in the face of darkness.
In a powerful and symbolic moment, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit the second Hanukkah candle on Monday night at the Western Wall, joined by IDF soldiers he hailed as the modern-day Maccabees of Israel.
Standing beside the soldiers at Judaism’s holiest site, Netanyahu reflected on the miracles of Hanukkah and drew a direct line from ancient heroism to the courage of today’s Israeli defenders. “We are essentially performing the same miracles that the Maccabees performed 2,200 years ago,” he said. “They stood against a force that tried to wipe the people of Israel, the Jews, and Judaism off the face of the earth.”
Netanyahu described the ongoing struggle not only as one of territory, but of identity and values. “You are fighting the war of the people of culture, the people of light against the people of darkness,” he told the soldiers. “And you are winning. Through your bravery, you are performing miracles.”
The prime minister also shared an anecdote involving US President Donald Trump. According to Netanyahu, Trump once asked, “How do you do it? Israel is so small, and they are so many. A small country and its neighbors are so large. Where does this strength come from?”
Netanyahu’s answer “From our heritage, our people’s faith, and our understanding that we will not allow anyone to sever the life-thread of the people of Israel.”
The event was both a celebration and a reaffirmation of purpose, set against the ancient stones that have witnessed centuries of Jewish perseverance. “I salute you here, next to the Western Wall, where our Maccabee heroes dedicated the Temple,” Netanyahu said in closing.
Also present were his wife Sara Netanyahu, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites and Western Wall Heritage Foundation Director Mordechai (Soli) Eliav.
As the Hanukkah lights burn once again beside the sacred wall, they illuminate not only history, but a living nation determined to endure. Share this moment and subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories of courage, tradition, and the unbreakable spirit of Israel.