Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Hanukkah message focuses only on Turkish Jews, ignoring global community 

Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan, who often attacks Israel, sent his best wishes to the Jewish community in Turkey on the occasion of Hanukkah. In a statement, Erdogan said: "I congratulate the members of our Jewish community on the occasion of Hanukkah and wish them good health."

Erdogan was criticized for focusing his message only on his own community of Jews without extending it to Jews worldwide.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin issued a congratulatory message: "The tradition of lighting candles in memory of significant events in the past is carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation. It inspires believers to do good deeds."

He continued: "Representatives of different nationalities and religions live in peace and harmony in our country. And the Jewish community has been promoting and supporting interfaith dialogue, strengthening tolerance and mutual respect in society for many years. I wish all the Jews of Russia health and happiness from the bottom of my heart. May the upcoming holiday bring joy and prosperity to your homes."

US President Joe Biden said during a candle-lighting event: "I have said many times in the past, my commitment to the security of the Jewish people and to the security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent nation-state remains unwavering. I know that this year's Hanukkah falls on hearts that are still very heavy. This is the second Hanukkah since the horrors of October 7. More than 1,000 people were slaughtered, hundreds were taken hostage, unspeakable violence and much more. The trauma of that day and its results are still raw and ongoing."

* Bihadre Haredim contributed to this article.