Obama Statement on Israel's 62nd Independence Day

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Obama on Israel Independence Day
By JPOST.COM STAFF 20/04/2010

In a statement released by the White House Monday, President Barack Obama shared his sentiments on Israel's 62nd anniversary."

On the 62nd Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, I join the American people in congratulating the government and people of Israel on this celebration of their independence," Obama said.

"Minutes after David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence, realizing the dream of a state for the Jewish people in their historic homeland, the United States became the first country to recognize Israel," he added.

"To this day, we continue to share a strong, unbreakable bond of friendship between our two nations, anchored by the United States’ enduring commitment to Israel’s security," Obama stressed.

"Israel remains our important partner and key strategic ally in the Middle East, and I am confident that our special relationship will only be strengthened in the months and years to come," Obama said in his speech.

"I look forward to continuing our efforts with Israel to achieve comprehensive peace and security in the region, including a two-state solution, and to working together to counter the forces that threaten Israel, the United States, and the world," Obama underlined.

"On this day, we once again honor the extraordinary achievements of the people of Israel, and their deep and abiding friendship with the American people. I offer my best wishes to President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the people of Israel as they celebrate this happy occasion," he concluded.

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In the real world:

AIFL slams humiliation of Israel
By JPOST.COM STAFF 17/04/2010

In open letter, pro-Israel group voices its concern over relations.

AIFL slams humiliation of Israel by Obama

In an open letter, the America-Israel Friendship League voices its concern over relations.The America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL) has sent an open letter to US President Barack Obama in concern over what it calls “deteriorating relations that appear to be developing” between the US and Israel.

The organization affirmed Obama’s commitment to relations between the two countries. But it urged the US president to reconsider his apparent intention of pressing Israel to abandon its longstanding Jerusalem policy, particularly regarding construction there, as a precondition to talks with the Palestinians.

The AIFL stressed the special “unbroken” link and place of Jerusalem in the tradition of Israel and Jews worldwide, and noted that Israel’s policy was to continue construction activities in the capital, as it has been doing for the past 40 years. The organization stated that such construction had not encumbered previous negotiations with the Palestinians nor peace treaties achieved between Israel and its neighbors during that period. Israel’s right to build in Jerusalem, it wrote, was recognized in the 2004 agreement between former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and former US President George W. Bush, which “[Obama’s] administration has apparently decided not to recognize.”

The AIFL acknowledged the “poor timing” of Israel’s announcement of Jerusalem construction during Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel, but wrote that it did not justify the “public criticism” of Israel nor an apparent attempt to “humiliate its prime minister,” suggesting that such matters have to be resolved “as befitting close allies.”

Both Democrats and Republicans on the AIFL board were “distressed by the actions of the [US] government in this very public shaming of Israel,” especially in light of the current “concerted campaign” by its enemies to de-legitimize Israel’s existence.

Obama’s actions, the AIFL stated, “were not in line with our values.” America’s alignment with the Arab league’s position regarding Jerusalem “reflects an unjustified change in the US Mideast policy.” According to the AIFL, any changes in Israel’s position regarding Jerusalem should only come in the course of direct negotiations with the Palestinians.

The organization questioned whether Israel’s failure to follow US policy would lead to any withdrawal of US diplomatic or material assistance to Israel. It suggested that such actions “could provide our common enemies with succor,” as well as encourage hatred and incitement of Israel and Jews.

At a time of “unparalleled challenges” faced by the world from Iran, “this is not a time to exacerbate any real or perceived slights.”The organization also raised the question of the US’s image among its allies. “If Israel can be disdained with such ease, what does this say about the US and its steadfastness with its other allies?” the letter asks.

The AIFL called on the Obama administration to engage in “an exchange of ideas” on the issues of Mideast peace and Israel’s security.