President Obama in Israel: Day 2

Jacob Miller — March 21, 2013 – 3:25 pm | Barack Obama | Foreign Policy | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

Today is the second day of President Barack Obama’s three day trip to Israel.

The President started his day visiting the Israel Museum in which he viewed the Dead Sea Scrolls. The president was shown a scroll of the Book of Isaiah. He was also given a tour highlighting the technical accomplishments of Israel including an aluminum-air battery, a road safety alert system, a robotic snake, and a computer that can be controlled with the mind.

President Obama delivered a major speech to Israeli students at the Jerusalem Convention Center.  Below are some excerpts. The full text can be viewed here.

“I am proud that the security relationship between the United States and Israel has never been stronger: more exercises between our militaries, and more exchanges among our political, military and intelligence officials than ever before; the largest program to date to help you retain your qualitative military edge. Those are the facts. But to me, this is not simply measured on the balance sheet. I know that here, in Israel, security is something personal.”

“But Iran must know this time is not unlimited. And I have made the position of the United States of America clear: Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. This is not a danger that can be contained. As President, I have said to the world that all options are on the table for achieving our objectives. America will do what we must to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.”

“That is why the security of the Jewish people in Israel is so important - because it can never be taken for granted. But make no mistake: those who adhere to the ideology of rejecting Israel’s right to exist might as well reject the earth beneath them and the sky above, because Israel is not going anywhere. Today, I want to tell you - particularly the young people - that so long as there is a United States of America, Ah-tem lo lah-vahd. You are not alone.”

“When I consider Israel’s security, I think about children like Osher Twito, who I met in Sderot - children, the same age as my own daughters, who went to bed at night fearful that a rocket would land in their bedroom simply because of who they are and where they live. That’s why we’ve invested in the Iron Dome system to save countless lives - because those children deserve to sleep better at night. That’s why we have made it clear, time and again, that Israel cannot accept rocket attacks from Gaza, and have stood up for Israel’s right to defend itself. And that’s why Israel has a right to expect Hamas to renounce violence and recognize Israel’s right to exist.”

“Now is the time for the Arab World to take steps toward normalized relations with Israel. Meanwhile, Palestinians must recognize that Israel will be a Jewish state, and that Israelis have the right to insist upon their security.”

NJDC Executive Director Aaron Keyak said after seeing the speech in Jerusalem:

In front of a warm and enthusiastic crowd today, President Barack Obama sent a clear message to our enemies and allies alike: America has Israel’s back. The President reaffirmed his commitment to a safe and secure Jewish state of Israel and an unbreakable U.S.-Israel relationship. Our two countries will continue to work together to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, pursue peace, and strengthen our partnership even further.

Photo Credit: White House

In the evening, President Obama was awarded the Presidential Medal of Distinction, Israel’s highest civilian honor for his “exceptional contribution to the State of Israel.”

Israeli President Shimon Peres said:

It is my privilege to present you with our country’s highest honor, the Medal of Distinction. This award speaks to your tireless work to make Israel strong. And peace possible. Your presidency has given the close ties between Israel and the United States a new height.

A sense of intimacy. A vision for the future. The people of Israel are particularly moved by your unforgettable contribution to their security. To defending our skies. To the collaboration in the domain of intelligence, which is the right way to preempt bloodshed. The diplomatic and military bonds between us have reached an unprecedented level.

President Obama said:

President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, friends—our very existence, our presence here tonight, is a testament that all things are possible, even those things that, in moments of darkness and doubt, may seem elusive. The stories of our peoples teach us to never stop searching for the things—the justice and the peace—that make us whole. And so we go forward together, with confidence, we’ll know that while our countries may be separated by a great ocean, in the realm of the spirit we will always be neighbors and friends.

I very humbly accept this award, understanding that I’m accepting it on behalf of the American people, who are joined together with you.

May God bless you and may He watch over our two great nations. Thank you very much.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a recap of President Obama’s third and final day in Israel.

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