Video: Rabbi Levi Shemtov Speaks at White House National Day of Prayer Ceremony

Longtime DC Chabad shliach Rabbi Levi Shemtov spoke at the White House’s National Day of Prayer ceremony, traditionally held on the first Thursday of May every year. Faith leaders from various religions spoke at the event.

President Donald Trump, addressing the nation at the event, said: “On this National Day of Prayer, we recognize the power of prayer to strengthen our spirits, draw us together, and create hope for a better tomorrow.”

Trump went on to say that prayer is a part of both his and his family’s life.

Almighty, One and only G-d, who Was, Is and always Will Be, who created us all and everything that we see. We seek Your grace and humbly ask for Your blessing our nation and our world ache as disaster, conflicts and division rage. We pray for the President as he works so hard, and we ask that You please help him succeed for the benefit of all our nation and the world. More than once, You shielded him from the scopes and designs of evil people intending to do him harm and miraculously spared his very life for which he has humbly and publicly offered You thanks, declaring his own strength and faith in You.

Rabbi Shemtov then offered prayers for the well-being and security of the country, its leaders and military, national harmony, and for the release of the Israeli hostages, including Israeli-American Eden Alexander.

“Light will always defeat darkness, even if it takes some time to realize allow us to counter anti semitism with an informed and robust Semitism, a renewed and strength and sense of Jewish identity and purpose, for we are in the land of the free and the home of the brave,” he said.