Second Gentleman Pool Reports of December 7, 2023

Good evening from a chilly Ellipse, where the stage is set for the lighting of the National Menorah.

While we await the start of the program, the Marine Band is playing on a stage constructed with an LED screen to look like a menorah. Attendees are bundled in coats and hats and shuffling in to fill the seats set up in front of the stage and the National Menorah. Photo attached below.

Passing along from the Second Gentleman's Office some excerpts from his speech. Some of the highlights below include criticism of the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT, though he does not mention them by name. He is expected to take the stage in about 30 minutes or so.

More to come…

Please find below excerpts of remarks as prepared by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff for the Annual Lighting Ceremony of the National Menorah:

"The presidents of some of our most elite universities were unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as antisemitic. The lack of moral clarity is unacceptable. We've seen a restaurant owner accused of genocide because he's Jewish. Students afraid to go to class. We've seen it in our markets, synagogues, and in our streets."

"I've also been reaching out privately to many people, just to check in and see how they are feeling. The common denominator of these conversations is that we're feeling alone and we're in pain."

"President Biden and Vice President Harris have also been working to ensure Israel has the support it needs. Because of their leadership, more than 100 hostages, including four Americans, are home."

"Even as we face darkness today, I am hopeful. The story of Hanukkah and the story of the Jewish people has always been one of hope and resilience."

"We will continue to live out the legacy of the generations of ancestors who came before us. We will rededicate ourselves to embracing our faith and practicing our traditions."

Second Gentleman Pool Report #2

After introductory remarks from Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive VP of American Friends of Lubavitch, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff walked onto the stage at 5:01pm.

He began his remarks saying that on behalf of President Biden, Vice President Harris and the First Lady - "Happy Hanukkah!"

"Now look, normally this is a time of celebration, and joy. I want us to celebrate Hanukkah. And I know right now that might seem a little far fetched to some of you. I know you're in pain. I'm in pain. I know a lot of us are feeling unmoored and afraid we've not seen anything like this moment."

"Look at the news - the universities literally unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as anti semitic that lack of moral clarity is simply unacceptable."

The Second Gentleman got a big round of applause for this line: "Let me be clear, when Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or identity, and when Israel is singled out because of anti Jewish hatred, that is anti semitism and it must be condemned and condemn unequivocally and without context."

He also told an anecdote about President Biden and how he spoke with Emhoff following the attack on Israel.

"We're so lucky to have President Biden as our president. Couple of days after the horrible attack on 10/7, he and I spoke at another roundtable with Jewish leaders. That was very difficult for me to imagine how I was going to do that so soon after October 7. And our president and the whole room looked me in the eye and just asked How are you doing? And I just said not okay. He took my hand in his hands
and he said we're going to be okay, let's just go out and tell the world how you feel. Because in that moment, those emotions just got me. I'm so thankful for his support each and every day."

Ending on a reflective note, Emhoff recalled his trip to Poland earlier this year. "This past January, I visited the town and what is now Poland that my family fled to escape persecution. I even got to see the apartment where they lived and the temple where they worshipped. I know the sacrifice that they made to leave their home and come to this great country and know that was hard. And I know that many including some in my family weren't able to escape."

"Only in America can a descendant of people who had to flee from persecution be standing here with all of you as the first ever Jewish spouse of an American president or vice president."

Mr. Emhoff wrapped his remarks at 5:11pm and exited the stage. He did not participate in the lighting of the menorah. The National Menorah was lit on 5:25pm.

Otter of Doug's remarks: https://otter.ai/u/bUjUAkiktQN2V4miyq1anhmsvQM

That's all from me. Have a good night!