Obama Offers Condolences to Netanyahu Aboard Air Force One

David Streeter — May 2, 2012 – 10:19 am | Barack Obama | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

President Barack Obama extended condolences to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the death of his father, Ben-Zion Netanyahu. According to the White House readout:

President Obama called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel today from Air Force One to express his personal condolences on the death of his father, Benzion Netanyahu. In the call the President noted Benzion Netanyahu’s remarkable legacy of service to the Jewish people and deep friendship with the United   States. 

The Times of Israel reported:

‘Michelle and I wish to express our deep sorrow on the passing of your father,’ Obama said. ‘I can only imagine how proud he was that you are leading the State of Israel. For him, that was the biggest present. I want you to know that we think of you and your family. Your father was a figure larger than life.’

The late historian, who spent many years researching and teaching at American universities, was a ‘bridge between Israel and the US,’ Obama added.

Netanyahu thanked the president for his phone call, saying that ‘no matter how long life is, it’s always too short. Even if you think you’re ready to part from your parents, you’re never really ready for that.’

 

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