Douglas Emhoff, Jewish husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, recently posted an in-depth description of his version of the events surrounding the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. The only problem with his version of the story is that it is not true.

Emhoff and Harris have publicly celebrated the holiday for years, oftentimes discussing the hope and courage that the idea of “light in the face of darkness” brings to them. Emhoff is Jewish and is currently working with the White House to combat antisemitism.

“The story of Hanukkah and the story of the Jewish people has always been one of hope and resilience. In the Hanukkah story, the Jewish people were forced into hiding,” Emhoff wrote in a now-deleted Twitter post. “No one thought they would survive or that the few drops of oil they had would last. But they survived and the oil kept burning.”

“During those eight days in hiding, they recited their prayers and continued their traditions,” Emhoff continued. “That’s why Hanukkah means dedication. It was during those dark nights that the Maccabees dedicated themselves to maintaining hope and faith in the oil, each other, and their Judaism.”

Emhoff included a photo of him and Harris lighting a candle on a menorah. He wrote in a later post, “Even as we face darkness right now, I am hopeful.”

Even as we face darkness right now, I am hopeful. The story of Hanukkah and the Jewish people has always been one of hope and resilience. pic.twitter.com/yg6jeMf8co

— Douglas Emhoff (@SecondGentleman) December 9, 2023

The Daily Wire recounted the actual Hanukkah story: “The true story of Hanukkah involves a small group of Jewish warriors called the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, who revolted against the Seleucid Empire ruled by Antiochus IV. Antiochus had banned Jews from practicing their faith and had desecrated the Second Temple.”

“The Maccabees won and rededicated the temple. During the rededication of the temple, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to keep the menorah in the Temple lit for one day. However, miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and more oil was later secured.”

The story told by Emhoff compared to the actual summary of the story of Hanukkah could not be more different.

Many Americans, if asked, probably could not accurately retell the story of Hanukkah. Emhoff, however, has made a public display of his own celebration of the holiday and has spoken out consistently against the rise of antisemitism using his personal faith to add credence to his argument. 

Tonight, we proudly light our menorahs and let them shine out our front windows as a reminder that even in darkness, we can bring forth the light. From our family to yours, happy Hanukkah! pic.twitter.com/oGxtnYtxOn

— Douglas Emhoff (@SecondGentleman) December 8, 2023