​Governor Nathan Deal and Mrs. Sandra Deal hosted members of various Jewish organizations at their home this week for their very first Hanukkah Party.  

"America, as a unified country-meaning Georgia included-must and will continue its strong ties with Israel," said Governor Deal.  "I also believe, as a devout Christian, that God has chosen the land of Israel as the homeland for the Jewish people." 

Consul General Aviran spoke about the miracle of Hanukkah before presenting the evening's entertainment sponsored by the Consulate.  "Hanukah is also an appropriate time to honor the relationship between Israel and the United States AND the relationship between the Jewish community and Georgia's elected officials," said Consul General Aviran. "Two years after my arrival to Atlanta I am honored to be here tonight in Gov. Deal's home celebrating these relationships."

Israeli Grammy winning jazz artist Ruslan Sirota made a special appearance at Governor Deal's Hanukkah party. Sirota was accompanied by local singer Rick Coffey. Coffey lived in Tel Aviv and managed the famous jazz club Mike's Place during the infamous suicide bombing attack in 2003. The two entertained party goers with a traditional Hanukkah song as well as some classic jazz.