Normally the holidays would be a time to put differences aside and celebrate the joy of the season, but President Donald Trump seems to think differently. According to the New York Times, Trump did not invite Democratic members of Congress or Reform Jewish leaders and progressive Jewish activists who have previously disagreed with him on issues to the annual holiday celebration. The snub became evident at the party on Thursday, soon after Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a political move that appeals more to those of Jewish faith.
Although the Jewish public figures not invited to the Hanukkah celebration may disagree, Jews who support Trump were reportedly happy to commemorate this momentous time in Israel’s history at the White House party. In addition to the formal event, the Republican Jewish Coalition also hosted an after party at the Trump International Hotel.
Jewish Congressional Democrats not invited to Trump White House Hanukkah party https://t.co/M6FuZw5wog pic.twitter.com/MVEomuot7e
— The Hill (@thehill) December 8, 2017
“Hanukkah is a time for Jewish families around the world to celebrate the miracles of the past and the promises of the future,” Trump said at the initial party. “We are proud to stand with the people of Israel and renew our enduring bond.”
While Lee Zeldin and David Kustoff, Congress’s two Jewish Republicans, attended the White House bash, no Jewish Democrats received invites. The cut to the guest list was definitely noticeable—only 300 people were invited, while the White House normally hosts 1700 guests over the course of two Hanukkah parties.
“It’s deeply unfortunate that the White House Hanukkah Party—a bipartisan event bringing together Jewish and non-Jewish leaders alike to celebrate the Festival of Lights since 2001—has turned into a partisan affair under this administration,” said Representative Nita Lowey of New York.
Snubbed Jewish leaders include religious and political figures who have publicly criticized Trump in the past. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, blasted him for his response to the Charlottesville white supremacist march, while the progressive pro-Israel group J Street was likely frowned upon for its strong support of President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran.
“Right now, I’m thinking about what’s going on and the love that’s all over Israel and all about Jerusalem”
WATCH: President Trump celebrates Hanukkah at the White House. pic.twitter.com/wpZRfyI26I
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 8, 2017
“I am not aware of the political affiliation of any of the guests, but I do know that this year was meant to be more personal than political,” said First Lady spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham, who works with Melania Trump’s office to supervise White House party planning.
Morton Klein, the president of the Zionist Organization of America and an invited guest, didn’t bother acting blase about excluded people. “He did not invite people who have been hostile to him,” he said of Trump.
Well, happy holidays, indeed.