New York, NY . . . Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations welcomed President Trump’s distinct and vigorous reaffirmation of the unshakeable bond between the United States and Israel in his address to the Israeli people today at the Israel Museum.
Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO issued the following statement:
“In his address today to the Israeli people, President Trump clearly and directly placed the stamp of his administration on the 69 year long policy of U.S. support for the state of Israel, noting that the relationship between the U.S. and Israel ‘is woven together in the hearts of our people – and their love of freedom, hope, and dignity for all.’
The President unambiguously acknowledged the ‘ancient and eternal’ connection of the Jewish people to Israel; praised Israel’s protection of the rights of all faiths to ‘live and worship according to their conscience and to follow their dreams;’ called on ‘the world to fully recognize the vital role of the state of Israel’ in assuring a future of peace and hope in the region; and, he pledged to stand by Israel and defend the values shared by both countries.
Noting that ‘Israel is a thriving nation – and has not only uplifted this region, but the entire world,’ President Trump’s message of U.S. support extended across the range of challenges facing Israel from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, Palestinian incitement and support for terrorism, and international campaigns to isolate and delegitimize the Jewish state.
In his Jerusalem address, the President reiterated his commitment to promoting the participation of Arab countries in helping Israel and the Palestinians move toward peace and security and he stated that President Abbas ‘is ready to reach a peace deal.’
We note that in the President’s remarks during his meeting with President Abbas in Bethlehem earlier in the day, he pointedly observed that, ‘[P]eace can never take root in an environment where violence is tolerated, funded or rewarded.’ Until the Palestinian Authority ends its loathsome policy of financial incentives for perpetrators of terror attacks against Israelis, President Abbas’ readiness cannot be taken seriously by the Israeli people.”
Mr. Hoenlein, who is in Jerusalem taking part in the Jerusalem Day celebration events and attended both President Trump’s visit to the Western Wall and his address at the Israel Museum, added, “The President’s remarks were warmly received and there was broad appreciation among the leaders, dignitaries and guests in the audience and in the general Israeli public for the heartfelt comments and personal assurances he conveyed.”
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