Doug Emhoff, first Jewish spouse of a U.S. president or vice president, speaks at lighting of National Menorah

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is the first Jewish spouse of an American president or vice president, on Sunday spoke at the annual lighting of the National Menorah to help mark the first night of Hanukkah. "Let us remember always, that Jewish history is American history," he said.

Emhoff also echoed the recent sentiments of Vice President Kamala Harris, saying "we must fight antisemitism and hate of every kind, and call it out when we see it." 

"Like so many of us gathered here today, my family members left Europe in search of safety and security," Emhoff said. They came to the United States, amongst the huddled masses, yearning to breathe free. They built a life here — they raised children, they opened businesses, they worshipped at synagogues. And yet, we know, the freedom that my family members, that American Jews everywhere, have yearned for and championed… The freedom that our nation promises to all those who live and worship here that freedom has, at times, been undermined by hate."