George Bush honours Hanukkah & recalls 'shoe attack'

US President George W Bush has recognised the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah at a service at the White House. The event was the President's first official function since returning from his tour of Iraq and Afghanistan which saw a protester in Baghdad hurl his shoes at Mr Bush's head. He spoke told the history of the Jewish holiday to guests: "The story of Hanukkah recalls the miraculous victory of a small band of patriots against tyranny, and the oil that burned for eight nights. "Through centuries of exile and persecution, Jews have lit the menorah. Each year, they behold its glow with faith in the power of God and love for His greatest gift - freedom." Mr Bush also made light of the incident during his speech referring to it as a "pretty eventful weekend", while also praising the democracies of Afghanistan and Iraq. "It was an unbelievable experience, it really was, to stand next to the president of a democracy and hold my hand over my heart as they played the national anthem in front of one of Saddam Hussein's palaces," he said. "I spoke to American forces serving courageously to make sure that Afghanistan never becomes a safe haven from which the killers could launch attacks on the homeland. And then I met with President Karzai who is determined to help the young democracy survive."

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ITN | December 16, 2008

Tags:. .karzai. .hurl. .tyranny. .miraculous. .persecution