House and Senate leaders decried the rise in antisemitism during the third annual menorah lighting at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

The tradition began on Capitol Hill in 2023 after the October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel. This year, there were expressions of thanks that all the living hostages have been released and are back with their families.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hosted the event with Rabbi Levi Shemtov, a familiar figure in Washington who has been dubbed, "the rabbi of Capitol Hill."

"Standing up against anti-Semitism, whenever and wherever it occurs, can at times seem daunting to some," said Schumer. "But in this day and age, if we're to keep the eternal flame of hope alive, it is imperative."

"Take heart in knowing that even in the face of generations of bigotry, bondage, persecution, and exile, the Jewish people have endured and they have flourished," said Johnson. "And that at its very essence is what we celebrate today."

This year, Hanukkah begins on Sunday, December 14 and concludes on Monday, December 22.