From the Liveblog of
Thursday, December 19, 2024
White House spokesman chokes up while reciting prayer for hostages at Israeli Embassy Hanukkah event
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWASHINGTON — White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby chokes up as he recites a prayer for the hostages being held in Gaza during the Israeli Embassy in Washington’s annual Hanukkah party.
Before reciting the English prayer, Kirby — who is not Jewish — places a black yarmulke on his head and upon finishing declares, “Am Yisrael Chai” in Hebrew — “The National of Israel lives.
Kirby has become a fan-favorite in the pro-Israel community, as he has routinely defended Israel’s war against Hamas over the past year during White House briefings, swatting away repeated leading questions from reporters seeking criticism of Israel from the Biden administration.
A public servant like no other. Truly the best of us.
NSC Spokesperson John Kirby reciting a prayer for the hostages at @IsraelinUSA’s Hanukkah reception. He ended with “Am Yisrael Chai.” pic.twitter.com/qhk1RWyyCN
— Shelley Greenspan (@ShelleyGspan) December 19, 2024
The Times of Israel Community.