Trumps offer warm wishes for a happy Hanukkah

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump on Tuesday bid all who observe Hanukkah a happy holiday.

"Wishing all of those celebrating #Hanukkah around the world a happy and healthy eight nights in the company of those they love," the president tweeted Tuesday, along with the image of a lit menorah.

The social media message followed a statement the president released earlier in the day.

"Hanukkah is a time for Jewish families around the world to come together around the lighting of the menorah and celebrate the miracles of the past and promises of the future. Melania and I wish all of our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrating this meaningful holiday a happy and healthy eight nights in the company of those they love," Donald Trump said in a statement released by the White House.

"On this holiday, we are proud to stand with the Jewish people who shine as a light to all nations. We also stand with the people of Israel, the Jewish State, which has itself a miraculous history of overcoming the tallest of odds. We hope that those observing the holiday here, in Israel, and around the world have a wonderful holiday."

Ivanka Trump posted on Twitter a photo of her family, including husband Jared Kushner -- who serves as senior adviser to the president -- and their three children: Theodore, Arabella and Joseph. The family is smiling and standing around a menorah. Ivanka Trump, who was raised Christian, converted to Judaism in 2009 when she married Kushner.

"Happy Chanukah! #1stNight," she captioned the family snapshot.

President Trump hosted his first White House Hanukkah party Thursday night, a day after recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.