(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION) U.S. President Barack Obama hosted a ceremony in the White House on Thursday (December 13) to celebrate the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah. Obama was joined on stage by his wife Michelle Obama and Rabbi Lary Bazer, Joint Force Chaplin for the Massachusetts National Guard. Obama marked the sixth night of Hanukkah with a tribute to Hurricane Sandy victims. "The menorah that we are using tonight and the man who will light it are both powerful symbols of that spirit. Six weeks ago, the temple Israel synagogue in Long Beach New York was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. But this 90 year-old menorah survived. And I am willing to bet it will survive another 90 years and another 90 years after that. So tonight it shines as a symbol of perseverance and as a reminder of those who are still recovering from Sandy's destruction. A reminder of resilience and hope and the fact that we will be there for them as they recover," Obama said. Obama also reaffirmed America's support for Israel during his speech.