Ellie is the manager for public programs in Events and Programming at The Heritage Foundation. In a photo accompanying an article in the Council Bluffs, Iowa, Daily Nonpareil newspaper, circa 1962, the author's father-to-be, Doug Krasne, and relatives celebrate Hanukkah. In a photo accompanying an article in the Council Bluff Key Takeaways Considering that Jews comprise only about 1.8% of the population, Hanukkah’s presence in America’s public square is remarkable. America’s embrace of Hanukkah can be attributed to something more enduring; namely, America’s founding principles. America’s unique mix of religious and economic freedom has allowed the Jews to prosper, and in turn, America has embraced Hanukkah.