http://www.youtube.com/wat
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Israel News Agency Interview On Bush, Iran, Sderot, Pollard
Joel Leyden of the Israel News Agency interviews Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ayre Mekel on US President George Bush historic visit, the Yad Veshem Holocaust tour, Hamas Kassam rocket terror attacks on Sderot from Gaza, Hezbollah attacking the North with Katusha rockets, the threat from Iran and the release of Jonathan Pollard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S07LDz1pA6Q
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Thursday, January 10, 2008
President Bush Asked to Enter Israel Politics
One of our TAP Ambassadors, The Chief Political writer of The Jerusalem Post, Gil Hoffman provides excellent insight into President Bush's directly getting involved in Israel politics. Asking the coalition and especially Avigdor Lieberman and Eli Yishai, to support Prime Minister Olmert, so he can stay in power and make every effort towards peace.
Earlier in the day, before Ramallah, Former Israel Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu had an extensive and extended conversation about Iran and beyond, at the King David hotel with the President.
Remember, The Prime Minister of Israel said again today, If Terror Doesn't Stop, including Any Rockets from Gaza, Their is No Deal!
Here are tonight's insights from Gil:
US President George W. Bush blatantly intervened in Israeli politics at Thursday's working dinner at the Prime Minister's Residence, calling on the politicians there to support Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Bush spoke at length with Shas chairman Eli Yishai and Israel Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman.
"Take care of Olmert, so he will stay in power," Bush said. "He's a strong leader. Israel politics is like karate, that you never know when the next chop will come."
Yishai told Bush it would be a mistake to sign an agreement with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, because it was impossible to make peace with half a nation. He said Israel could not compromise on refugees or Jerusalem.
Lieberman was less critical of the Annapolis process in his comments.
The Shas chairman spoke about the need for exchanges of territory and populations.
Olmert made sure that Strategic Affairs Minister Lieberman spoke to US security officials about Iran at the meal.
The prime minister received good news Thursday when polls were published that found a majority of Labor supporters wanted party chairman Ehud Barak to break his promise to remove his party from the government upon the publication of the Winograd Report on January 30.
A Dialog poll published in Haaretz reported that 61 percent of Labor voters wanted the party to remain in the coalition. A Dahaf poll in Yediot Aharonot that asked the same question put the figure at 56%.
As a precaution in case Labor did leave, Olmert met with United Torah Judaism MK Avraham Ravitz on Tuesday and promised him NIS 173 million for haredi educational and cultural institutions and to support Ravitz's proposal to give tax benefits to organ donors.
Olmert surprised participants at the dinner when he said it was not the appropriate occasion to discuss the fate of Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard.
The meal was attended by eight ministers, Mossad head Meir Dagan, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Yuval Diskin, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other top American officials.
Olmert asked Bush to pardon Pollard when he met with the president on Wednesday, but he was turned down.
Pollard's wife, Esther, said she was disappointed that Olmert refrained from discussing her husband on Thursday, because in Judaism redeeming captives trumped any other issue.
She also said she was not impressed by Olmert raising the issue a day earlier.
"That's not how a serious quest is made to secure the release of an Israeli agent in peril after 23 years in jail," Esther Pollard said. "It's not something you casually bring up and then leak to the press. It reeks of a feeble attempt to discourage the massive public outcry for Jonathan's release. That's the best possible sign that the effort is succeeding and the Jewish people needs to redouble its efforts and press even harder to bring him home."
Every member of the Jerusalem City Council signed a letter urging Pollard's release, which was hand delivered to Bush by Mayor Uri Lupolianski on Wednesday.
And Yishai gave Bush a letter from Esther Pollard and another from Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef asking for Pollard's release.
The rabbi said that if Bush answered his request affirmatively, he would be blessed with a long life.
"One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is redeeming captives," Yosef wrote. "At this opportune time, I offer my humble request on behalf of the Jews of Zion that your excellency release our brother, the prisoner Jonathan Pollard, who is serving a sentence for spying on behalf of the State of Israel. His health is deteriorating."
Ravitz hinted that the gesture could be a sign that UTJ would be wanted in Olmert's coalition.
Contributed by Tom Weiss
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
Show Host & Executive Producer
Talkline - USA
Correspondent
Earlier in the day, before Ramallah, Former Israel Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu had an extensive and extended conversation about Iran and beyond, at the King David hotel with the President.
Remember, The Prime Minister of Israel said again today, If Terror Doesn't Stop, including Any Rockets from Gaza, Their is No Deal!
Here are tonight's insights from Gil:
US President George W. Bush blatantly intervened in Israeli politics at Thursday's working dinner at the Prime Minister's Residence, calling on the politicians there to support Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Bush spoke at length with Shas chairman Eli Yishai and Israel Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman.
"Take care of Olmert, so he will stay in power," Bush said. "He's a strong leader. Israel politics is like karate, that you never know when the next chop will come."
Yishai told Bush it would be a mistake to sign an agreement with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, because it was impossible to make peace with half a nation. He said Israel could not compromise on refugees or Jerusalem.
Lieberman was less critical of the Annapolis process in his comments.
The Shas chairman spoke about the need for exchanges of territory and populations.
Olmert made sure that Strategic Affairs Minister Lieberman spoke to US security officials about Iran at the meal.
The prime minister received good news Thursday when polls were published that found a majority of Labor supporters wanted party chairman Ehud Barak to break his promise to remove his party from the government upon the publication of the Winograd Report on January 30.
A Dialog poll published in Haaretz reported that 61 percent of Labor voters wanted the party to remain in the coalition. A Dahaf poll in Yediot Aharonot that asked the same question put the figure at 56%.
As a precaution in case Labor did leave, Olmert met with United Torah Judaism MK Avraham Ravitz on Tuesday and promised him NIS 173 million for haredi educational and cultural institutions and to support Ravitz's proposal to give tax benefits to organ donors.
Olmert surprised participants at the dinner when he said it was not the appropriate occasion to discuss the fate of Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard.
The meal was attended by eight ministers, Mossad head Meir Dagan, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Yuval Diskin, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other top American officials.
Olmert asked Bush to pardon Pollard when he met with the president on Wednesday, but he was turned down.
Pollard's wife, Esther, said she was disappointed that Olmert refrained from discussing her husband on Thursday, because in Judaism redeeming captives trumped any other issue.
She also said she was not impressed by Olmert raising the issue a day earlier.
"That's not how a serious quest is made to secure the release of an Israeli agent in peril after 23 years in jail," Esther Pollard said. "It's not something you casually bring up and then leak to the press. It reeks of a feeble attempt to discourage the massive public outcry for Jonathan's release. That's the best possible sign that the effort is succeeding and the Jewish people needs to redouble its efforts and press even harder to bring him home."
Every member of the Jerusalem City Council signed a letter urging Pollard's release, which was hand delivered to Bush by Mayor Uri Lupolianski on Wednesday.
And Yishai gave Bush a letter from Esther Pollard and another from Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef asking for Pollard's release.
The rabbi said that if Bush answered his request affirmatively, he would be blessed with a long life.
"One of the most important mitzvot in Judaism is redeeming captives," Yosef wrote. "At this opportune time, I offer my humble request on behalf of the Jews of Zion that your excellency release our brother, the prisoner Jonathan Pollard, who is serving a sentence for spying on behalf of the State of Israel. His health is deteriorating."
Ravitz hinted that the gesture could be a sign that UTJ would be wanted in Olmert's coalition.
Contributed by Tom Weiss
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
Show Host & Executive Producer
Talkline - USA
Correspondent
President Bush To Visit Yad Vashem Israel Holocaust Memorial
UPDATE: President Bush At Yad Veshem Holocaust Memorial, Israel Asks Why Auschwitz Nazi Death Camp Was Not Bombed By USUS President George W. Bush completed a tour of Israel's official Holocaust memorial today calling it a "sobering reminder" that evil must be resisted and praising victims for not losing their faith.
The Yad Vashem memorial was closed to the public and under heavy guard Friday, with armed soldiers standing on top of some of the site's monuments and a police helicopter and surveillance blimp hovering in the air overhead.
Wearing a yarmulke, Bush placed a red-white-and-blue wreath on a stone slab that covers ashes of Holocaust victims taken from six extermination camps. He also lit a torch memorializing the victims.
"I was most impressed that people in the face of horror and evil would not forsake their God. In the face of unspeakable crimes against humanity, brave souls — young and old — stood strong for what they believe," Bush said.
"I wish as many people as possible would come to this place. It is a sobering reminder that evil exists, and a call that when evil exists we must resist it," he said.
It was Bush's second visit to the Holocaust memorial, a regular stop on the visits of foreign dignitaries. His first was in 1998, as governor of Texas. The last U.S. president to visit was Bill Clinton in 1994.
Bush was accompanied on his tour by a small party that included Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
At the compound, overlooking a forest on Jerusalem's outskirts, Bush visited a memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children murdered in the Holocaust, featuring six candles reflected 1.5 million times in a hall of mirrors. At the site's Hall of Remembrance, he heard a cantor sing a Jewish prayer for the dead.
Bush was visibly moved during his hour-long tour of the site, said Yad Vashem's chairman, Avner Shalev.
"Twice, I saw tears well up in his eyes," Shalev said.
At one point, Bush viewed aerial photos of the Auschwitz death camp taken during the war by U.S. forces and called Rice over to discuss why the American government had decided against bombing the site, Shalev said.
"We should have bombed it," Bush said, according to Shalev.
In the memorial's visitors' book, the president wrote simply, "God bless Israel, George Bush."
Shalev presented Bush with illustrations of the Bible drawn by the Jewish artist Carol Deutsch, who perished in the Holocaust.
Deutsch created the works while in hiding from the Nazis in Belgium. He was informed upon, and died in 1944 in the Buchenwald camp. After the war, his daughter Ingrid discovered that the Nazis had confiscated their furniture and valuables but had left behind a single item: a meticulously crafted wooden box adorned with a Star of David and a seven-branched menorah, containing a collection of 99 of the artist's illustrations of biblical scenes.
The originals are on display at Yad Vashem. The memorial recently decided to produce a special series of 500 replicas, the first of which was to be presented to Bush.
Debbie Deutsch-Berman, a Yad Vashem employee whose grandfather was Deutch's brother, said she was proud that Bush would be given her relative's artwork.
"These are not just his paintings, they are his legacy, and the fact that they survived shows that as much as our enemies tried to destroy the ideas that these paintings embody, they failed," she said.
President Bush To Visit Yad Vashem Israel Holocaust Memorial
(January 10, 2008 - Jerusalem) United States President George W. Bush will visit Yad Vashem on Friday, January 11, 2008.
During his visit to Yad Vashem, the President, guided by Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev, will visit the Holocaust History Museum, and the
Museum of Holocaust Art, hold a wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, and visit the Children's Memorial. He will be accompanied
by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, President Shimon Peres, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Chairman of the Yad Vashem Council Joseph (Tommy) Lapid.
Yad Vashem, the Holocaust remembrance and education center in Jerusalem,
was established by the Knesset in 1953. Located on the Mount of Remembrance, Yad Vashem is dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, documentation, research and education. The Holocaust History Museum opened in March 2005, culminating a decade long redevelopment plan that
has prepared Yad Vashem to meet the challenges of the next century.
The Museum seeks to tell the story of the Holocaust from the Jewish personal perspective, via artifacts, testimonies, archival material, artwork and more. At the end of the Holocaust History Museum is the Hall of Names, where Pages of Testimony recording the details of Jews
murdered in the Holocaust are kept. Yad Vashem has thus far been able to recover some 3.3 million names; efforts are underway to recover the identities of the remaining unknown millions. The Museum of Holocaust Art displays art created during the Holocaust - whether in the ghettos, in hiding or in the camps.
During the wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, President Bush will rekindle the Eternal Flame, and lay a wreath on a stone slab under which are ashes of victims from the Holocaust brought from the concentration and extermination camps. The Hall of Remembrance is the main memorial site at Yad Vashem, where official memorial ceremonies
are held in Israel. At the ceremony, President Bush will be accompanied by Yad Vashem Chairman Shalev, Prime Minister Olmert, President Peres, and Chairman of the Yad Vashem Council Lapid. The Ankor Children's Choir will perform "Walk to Caesarea" and Cantor Asher Hainowitz will recite a Jewish prayer for the dead, El Maleh Rachamim.
Following the Hall of Remembrance ceremony, the President will visit the Children's Memorial, in memory of the 1.5 million Jewish children murdered in the Holocaust. At the exit to the Children's Memorial, the President will sign the Guest Book.
At the conclusion of his visit, Shalev will present President Bush with a special gift, a replica of
illustrations from the Bible, by Jewish artist Carol Deutsch. The original is on display in the Museum of Holocaust Art. Recently Yad Vashem decided to produce a special, numbered series of the portfolio limited to 500 copies, the first of which will be presented to the President. Deutsch created the works while in hiding in Belgium.
He was informed upon, and died in 1944 in Buchenwald, leaving behind 99 vividly colored paintings in an illustrated wooden box, which he bequeathed to his daughter Ingrid. Details of Carol Deutsch's story
are available at:
http://www1.yadvashem.org
Yad Vashem, the Holocaust remembrance and education center in Jerusalem,
was established by the Knesset in 1953. Located on the Mount of
Remembrance, Yad Vashem is dedicated to Holocaust remembrance,
documentation, research and education. Through the International School
for Holocaust Studies, the Museum Complex, the International Institute
for Holocaust Research, the Library and Archives, the Hall of Names, and
its monuments and memorials, Yad Vashem seeks to meaningfully impart the
legacy of the Shoah for generations to come.
Drawing on the memories of the past, Yad Vashem aims to strengthen commitment to Jewish continuity and protect basic human values. www.yadvashem.org
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Bush Arrives To Israel Focusing On Iran, Terrorism
By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency
Jerusalem, Israel ----- January 9, 2008 ....... Under a sunny, warm sea of waving Israel and American flags, US President George W. Bush arrived in Israel this morning. Bush was greeted by hundreds of smiles as he walked down Air Force One to take part in a historic ceremony with Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Israel President Shimon Peres.
It has been ten years since a US President set foot on Israel soil. In 1998, Bill Clinton met with former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
Preparations for the Bush visit to Israel were extensive. But nothing was more apparent than an overwhelming blanket of security. It appeared that there were more men in blue uniforms and black suits than guests. And that was the security for which one could easily detect. From snipers and police on horseback to helicopters and electronic jamming one could not have been in a safer place.
Israel security personnel includes snipers, elite IDF units on foot and car patrol, bomb-sniffing dogs and bodyguards. Israel has even called up IDF reservists for the Bush visit. The security operation, dubbed "Clear Skies," is costing Israel $25,000 for every hour Bush is in the country.
White House staff, US State Department officials, Secret Service agents, technicians and US Marines joined Israel security personnel as Bush shook the hands of both religious and political VIPs who formed a reception line to meet him just yards from his blue and white plane and several US transport and combat helicopters. Security robots were positioned nearby to make sure there were no surprises above or underground.
The Ben-Gurion Airport ceremony for George Bush illustrated perfection. Not a step was missed. The IDF marching bands practiced almost till the last second. Dignitaries were shown to their places and over 200 journalists were provided with photo op positions and equipment to get their job done.
Photo: Joel Leyden
The American and Israel national anthems were played with tearful zest. From a public relations perspective both the Israel and US governments could not have performed better. The Israel Foreign Ministry, Israel Government Press Office, the Israel Defense Forces and White House protocol and PR staff have much to be proud of. It was nothing less than an open celebration of close and indivisible friendship between two democratic states fighting together on the front line against global Islamic terrorism.
Bush, spoke after opening remarks by Ehud Olmert and Shimon Peres.
"We welcome you to Israel with the words of prophet Isaiah," Peres said with a smile.
"We greet you as a great friend - you towered at moments of need; you paved the road to peace. We embrace you as the leader of a great nation, which - once having secured its freedom - Never tired of providing it to others."
Peres wasted no time in illustrating how critical this visit was. "We take your advice to not underestimate the Iran threat. Iran should not underestimate our resolve for self defense. Your visit is on the eve of the sixth decade of our historic re-birth. We were attacked seven times. We never lost a war. We never lost desire for peace. We never postponed a moment of democracy," said Peres. "The United States supported us in war and peace. I can say wholeheartedly: “thank you Mr. President”.
Peres then alluded to the Bush speech of February 2002 when Bush stated: “My vision is of two states living side by side in peace and security”. Peres said that at that time it seemed very remote. "Now it is the basis for negotiations. "Peace can move forward on three tracks: political – creating a frame of two states, economic – raising the quality of life across borders and security – stopping the madness of Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas."
"On your way here you said that 2008 should be the path-way from words to action, from aspiration to reality. Indeed, the next twelve months will be a moment of truth. It must not yield just words. The days ahead are fateful. If time is not utilized for peace-making then destructive armament, belligerence, and terror will capture center stage. Wars are never too late, peace is never too early. We have no right to miss this opportunity."
Peres again quoted Isaiah: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brigeth good tiding, that publishes peace, that bringeth good tidings of food, that publisheth salvation."
"The next 12 months will be a moment of truth," Peres told Bush as they spoke under clear skies and a January chill. "It must not yield just words."
"Mr. President, welcome to the gates of Jerusalem," Peres concluded.
"You are our (Israel) strongest and most trusted ally in the battle against terrorism and fundamentalism and a staunch supporter of our quest for peace and stability," said Olmert. "Your policies have reflected a basic understanding of the challenges facing Israel in this troubled region and a solid commitment to our national security," he added.
"I come as an optimistic person and a realistic person - realistic in my understanding that it's vital for the world to fight terrorists, to confront those who would murder the innocent to achieve political objectives," Bush responded. "I come with high hopes, and the role of the United States will be to foster a vision of peace. The role of the Israel leadership and the Palestinian leadership is going to do the hard work necessary to define a vision."
Bush continued: "We see a new opportunity for peace here in the Holy Land and for freedom across the region. Bush underscored the deep US - Israel ties. "The alliance between our two nations helps guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state," Bush said.
President Bush appeared warm, friendly and a bit tired after traveling 12 hours across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. To this INA reporter, Bush appeared serious, more like one on a business trip facing a long and challenging agenda. But he also looked confident, knowing that no matter what it takes, he would get the job done. Bush's attitude was very Israeli - very tachlas, no nonsense, very bottom line.
Shortly before President Bush arrived in Israel to try to build momentum for stalled peace talks, Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip slammed southern Israel with rocket and mortar fire, striking a civilian home.
The Bush three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank does not include stops areas near or in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Islamic Hamas terrorists who are not a party to negotiations.
Israel police said 12 rocket were fired Wednesday, including seven that landed inside Israel.
One rocket hit the Israel home of Sderot resident Danny Dahan. Speaking from the hospital where he was treated for shock, he told IDF Army Radio that he had nearly been hit several times in recent years. In the latest attack, the rocket tore through the ceiling and landed directly on his baby's bed, he said.
Beyond the official visits to Jerusalem and Ramallah, cocktail receptions and closed door security meetings on Iran and Palestine terrorism, Bush is scheduled to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, Capernaum and Mt. of the Beatitudes.
One could only pray that Bush could also make the time to visit the children of the Israel Negev desert town of Sderot and reassure them, as he reassures Olmert, that Israel and the US will win the war on terrorism. That they will no longer have to cry, running for their lives into air raid shelters in the days, weeks and months ahead.
INA reporters Tom Weiss and Liora Ghinsberg contributed to the above report.
US President George Bush is on the ground in Israel
U.S. President George Bush is on the ground in Israel
Throughout the day, Prime Minister Olmert is wearing an American / Israel pin, proudly showing both flags, as he welcomes the President of the United States to Israel.
As President George W. Bush walked down the stairs from Air-force One, you could see a glow of anticipation and excitement, of seeing some of his closest friends in the World and of course the Holyland as he arrives for the first time since he was Governor of the State of Texas 8 years ago.
In terminal one, on the tarmac, after the speeches were through, the President met all of the Knesset members and dignitaries escorted by President Peres and Prime Minister Olmert.
He then headed to his helicopter and flew to Givat Ram in Jerusalem and headed to the famed King David Hotel to put down his bags and entertain his first meeting, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lapoliansky.
Then it was off to the Presidents house and what fun with Shimon Peres and the kids that sang, danced and performed with the pride of Israel.
It was a relaxed photo opportunity, with a lot of smiles that took place in the main hall on the way to the dignitaries room, where the Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni and the Secretary of State Condi Rice joined in the discussion.
Then a working meeting for the two Presidents.
Next up for President Bush, a car ride around the corner to the official residence of the Prime Minister of Israel...
Tom Weiss contributed to this report
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
Throughout the day, Prime Minister Olmert is wearing an American / Israel pin, proudly showing both flags, as he welcomes the President of the United States to Israel.
As President George W. Bush walked down the stairs from Air-force One, you could see a glow of anticipation and excitement, of seeing some of his closest friends in the World and of course the Holyland as he arrives for the first time since he was Governor of the State of Texas 8 years ago.
In terminal one, on the tarmac, after the speeches were through, the President met all of the Knesset members and dignitaries escorted by President Peres and Prime Minister Olmert.
He then headed to his helicopter and flew to Givat Ram in Jerusalem and headed to the famed King David Hotel to put down his bags and entertain his first meeting, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lapoliansky.
Then it was off to the Presidents house and what fun with Shimon Peres and the kids that sang, danced and performed with the pride of Israel.
It was a relaxed photo opportunity, with a lot of smiles that took place in the main hall on the way to the dignitaries room, where the Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni and the Secretary of State Condi Rice joined in the discussion.
Then a working meeting for the two Presidents.
Next up for President Bush, a car ride around the corner to the official residence of the Prime Minister of Israel...
Tom Weiss contributed to this report
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
President Peres Welcoming President Bush to Israel
Israel President Shimon Peres
Welcomes United States President George W. Bush
To Israel
Mr. President;
We welcome you to Israel with the words of the Prophet Isaiah:
מַה-נָּאווּ עַל-הֶהָרִים רַגְלֵי מְבַשֵּׂר, מַשְׁמִיעַ שָׁלוֹם מְבַשֵּׂר טוֹב--מַשְׁמִיעַ יְשׁוּעָה
We greet you as a great friend -
You towered at moments of need;
You paved the road to peace.
We embrace you as the leader of a great nation, which –
Once having secured its freedom –
Never tired of providing it to others.
We take your advice to not underestimate the Iranian threat.
Iran should not underestimate our resolve for self defense.
Your visit is on the eve of the sixth decade of our historic re-birth.
We were attacked seven times -
We never lost a war;
We never lost desire for peace.
We never postponed a moment of democracy.
The United States has supported us in war and in peace.
I can say wholeheartedly: “thank you Mr. President”.
Your speech of February 2002, introduced consensus when you said:
"My vision is of two states living side by side in peace and security”.
Then it seemed remote.
Now it is the basis for negotiations.
Peace can move forward on three tracks:
Political – creating a frame work of two states;
Economic – raising quality the of life across borders;
Security – stopping the madness of Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas.
On your way here you said that 2008 should be the path-way from words to action, from aspiration to reality.
Indeed, the next twelve months will be a moment of truth.
It must not yield just words.
The days ahead are fateful:
If time is not utilized for peace-making –
Destructive armament, belligerence, and terror will capture center stage.
Wars are never too late,
Peace is never too early.
We have no right to miss this opportunity.
Isaiah said:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings;
That publishes peace;
That bringeth good tidings of food;
That publishs salvation;
Mr. President,
Welcome to the gates of Jerusalem!
Contributed by Tom Weiss
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
Welcomes United States President George W. Bush
To Israel
Mr. President;
We welcome you to Israel with the words of the Prophet Isaiah:
מַה-נָּאווּ עַל-הֶהָרִים רַגְלֵי מְבַשֵּׂר, מַשְׁמִיעַ שָׁלוֹם מְבַשֵּׂר טוֹב--מַשְׁמִיעַ יְשׁוּעָה
We greet you as a great friend -
You towered at moments of need;
You paved the road to peace.
We embrace you as the leader of a great nation, which –
Once having secured its freedom –
Never tired of providing it to others.
We take your advice to not underestimate the Iranian threat.
Iran should not underestimate our resolve for self defense.
Your visit is on the eve of the sixth decade of our historic re-birth.
We were attacked seven times -
We never lost a war;
We never lost desire for peace.
We never postponed a moment of democracy.
The United States has supported us in war and in peace.
I can say wholeheartedly: “thank you Mr. President”.
Your speech of February 2002, introduced consensus when you said:
"My vision is of two states living side by side in peace and security”.
Then it seemed remote.
Now it is the basis for negotiations.
Peace can move forward on three tracks:
Political – creating a frame work of two states;
Economic – raising quality the of life across borders;
Security – stopping the madness of Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas.
On your way here you said that 2008 should be the path-way from words to action, from aspiration to reality.
Indeed, the next twelve months will be a moment of truth.
It must not yield just words.
The days ahead are fateful:
If time is not utilized for peace-making –
Destructive armament, belligerence, and terror will capture center stage.
Wars are never too late,
Peace is never too early.
We have no right to miss this opportunity.
Isaiah said:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings;
That publishes peace;
That bringeth good tidings of food;
That publishs salvation;
Mr. President,
Welcome to the gates of Jerusalem!
Contributed by Tom Weiss
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
President Bush arrives in Israel - Welcomed by Prime Minister Olmert
Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Welcoming Speech
on President Bush's Arrival
to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel
It is an honor and a privilege for me to welcome President George W. Bush on his first official visit to Israel as President of the United States.
The bond between the State of Israel and the United States of America is unshakable. It is based on the most fundamental common ideals of freedom and democracy and on a deep and long-standing friendship.
From the very beginning, your policies have reflected a basic understanding of the challenges facing Israel in this troubled region and a solid commitment to our national security.
Mr. President,
You are our strongest and most trusted ally in the battle against terrorism and fundamentalism and a staunch supporter of our quest for peace and stability.
Through your vision, exceptional courage and determination in the face of evil and terror, your solidarity with the people of Israel has won you the love and admiration of all the citizens of Israel, and we all feel privileged to have you here with us.
Moreover, since I took office two years ago you have become my personal friend and confidant.
I hope, Mr. President, that your visit to the Holy Land will be meaningful and memorable, and on a more personal note,
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to finally reciprocate the generous hospitality which you have shown me on my visits to Washington.
Welcome to Israel!
Tom Weiss
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
on President Bush's Arrival
to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel
It is an honor and a privilege for me to welcome President George W. Bush on his first official visit to Israel as President of the United States.
The bond between the State of Israel and the United States of America is unshakable. It is based on the most fundamental common ideals of freedom and democracy and on a deep and long-standing friendship.
From the very beginning, your policies have reflected a basic understanding of the challenges facing Israel in this troubled region and a solid commitment to our national security.
Mr. President,
You are our strongest and most trusted ally in the battle against terrorism and fundamentalism and a staunch supporter of our quest for peace and stability.
Through your vision, exceptional courage and determination in the face of evil and terror, your solidarity with the people of Israel has won you the love and admiration of all the citizens of Israel, and we all feel privileged to have you here with us.
Moreover, since I took office two years ago you have become my personal friend and confidant.
I hope, Mr. President, that your visit to the Holy Land will be meaningful and memorable, and on a more personal note,
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to finally reciprocate the generous hospitality which you have shown me on my visits to Washington.
Welcome to Israel!
Tom Weiss
The Ambassadors Project
Director General
The Ambassadors Report
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
VIP's and Press Await Bush At Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport
Upon arrival, U.S. President George W. Bush will be greeted at Ben-Gurion International Airport by Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, President Shimon Peres, Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch, Israel's chief rabbis and other Israeli dignitaries.
After a ceremony featuring speeches by Bush, Olmert and Peres, the U.S. president will meet with Peres to discuss steps to improve the Palestinian economy and support regional financial initiatives.
Bush is then expected to meet with Olmert for a joint meeting with Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak that will touch upon negotiations with the Palestinian Authority as well as Israel's security needs. "We want the visit to succeed and produce more progress in talks," a government source said Tuesday.
Israel will also present its stance regarding the U.S. military assessment that claimed Iran has abandoned its nuclear armament program. Olmert, Livni and Barak will stress the importance of continuing to put pressure on Tehran by using Security Council sanctions. They will also provide Israel information on Iran's nuclear program.
The U.S. entourage includes hundreds of advisers, security agents and even cooks, who will supervise the food served to Bush at Jerusalem's King David Hotel in Israel.
About 1,000 rooms in three different hotels have been booked to lodge the massive delegation. In honor of Bush, Jerusalem's municipal council has decided to shut off the lights illuminating the Old City's walls to allow Bush to see it under the natural moonlight.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Olmert agreed to hold talks with the Palestinian Authority on the core issues of the Israel - Palestinian conflict - a decision that could lead to Yisrael Beiteinu's departure from the coalition.
According to the deal, which was first reported in Haaretz earlier this week, all the core issues in the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a final-status agreement will be discussed in a special committee headed by Livni and Ahmed Qureia.
"Today the two leaders agreed to authorize the negotiating teams to conduct direct and ongoing negotiations on all the core issues," Olmert spokesman Mark Regev said after the Israel prime minister met PA President Mahmoud Abbas in Jerusalem. "We expect that to start expeditiously."
The core issues are considered to be the three most daunting and controversial matters at the center of the conflict, and include the question of delineating borders, Palestinian refugees' right of return and sovereignty over Jerusalem.
The remaining issues such as security, trade, economics, law and civil issues will be dealt with in separate committees. Olmert and PA President Abbas will monitor the progress of the negotiations and will contribute to resolving deadlocks. Neither side gave a start date for the talks, although Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the talks would begin immediately.
"We think the visit is an opportunity to energize the momentum of the post-Annapolis dialogue between us and the Palestinians," Regev said.
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Bush is then expected to meet with Olmert for a joint meeting with Israel Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak that will touch upon negotiations with the Palestinian Authority as well as Israel's security needs. "We want the visit to succeed and produce more progress in talks," a government source said Tuesday.
Israel will also present its stance regarding the U.S. military assessment that claimed Iran has abandoned its nuclear armament program. Olmert, Livni and Barak will stress the importance of continuing to put pressure on Tehran by using Security Council sanctions. They will also provide Israel information on Iran's nuclear program.
The U.S. entourage includes hundreds of advisers, security agents and even cooks, who will supervise the food served to Bush at Jerusalem's King David Hotel in Israel.
About 1,000 rooms in three different hotels have been booked to lodge the massive delegation. In honor of Bush, Jerusalem's municipal council has decided to shut off the lights illuminating the Old City's walls to allow Bush to see it under the natural moonlight.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Olmert agreed to hold talks with the Palestinian Authority on the core issues of the Israel - Palestinian conflict - a decision that could lead to Yisrael Beiteinu's departure from the coalition.
According to the deal, which was first reported in Haaretz earlier this week, all the core issues in the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a final-status agreement will be discussed in a special committee headed by Livni and Ahmed Qureia.
"Today the two leaders agreed to authorize the negotiating teams to conduct direct and ongoing negotiations on all the core issues," Olmert spokesman Mark Regev said after the Israel prime minister met PA President Mahmoud Abbas in Jerusalem. "We expect that to start expeditiously."
The core issues are considered to be the three most daunting and controversial matters at the center of the conflict, and include the question of delineating borders, Palestinian refugees' right of return and sovereignty over Jerusalem.
The remaining issues such as security, trade, economics, law and civil issues will be dealt with in separate committees. Olmert and PA President Abbas will monitor the progress of the negotiations and will contribute to resolving deadlocks. Neither side gave a start date for the talks, although Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the talks would begin immediately.
"We think the visit is an opportunity to energize the momentum of the post-Annapolis dialogue between us and the Palestinians," Regev said.
President George W. Bush Historic Visit To Israel
In a few hours Israel's closest and most loyal friend will arrive on the wet and cold tarmac of Ben Gurion Airport.
George W. Bush is not arriving as Clinton did for the death of an Israeli Prime Minister, nor are there any "peace" ceremonies awaiting Bush as Clinton and Carter enjoyed before him.
Bush is coming as a friend.
And this is the story of a friendship between two countries which share common democratic values and goals.
For those of you who wish to attack Bush - you are in the wrong forum.
Yes - he may not be perfect.
Yes - he may not be Israel's puppet.
And yes - he may not even move on releasing Jonathan Pollard - but this man is Israel's friend.
Each hour he spends flying towards and away from Israel he puts his life at stake for us.
Each footstep he takes in Jerusalem honors this small nation.
He is not running for office. He has no ulterior motives other than the security of the United States of America and her allies.
We are witnessing history.
We are witnessing a sacred friendship of two nations fighting on the front line in the war against global Islamic terrorism. To preserve freedom, security and peace.
This is our story.
This is our message.
Let's wish Bush, Olmert and their messengers: Danny Seaman, Mark Regev, Arye Mekel and Micky Rosenfeld the very best of success.
Also a very large thank you to the staff of the Israel Project for their many creative efforts on behalf of Israel.
In the hours and days to come, I will be reporting live in this blog and for the Israel News Agency on the historic events taking place in Israel.
Wish us luck!
Joel Leyden
http://www.IsraelPr.com
http://www.CrisisCommunicationsPr.com
http://www.BushIsrael.com
George W. Bush is not arriving as Clinton did for the death of an Israeli Prime Minister, nor are there any "peace" ceremonies awaiting Bush as Clinton and Carter enjoyed before him.
Bush is coming as a friend.
And this is the story of a friendship between two countries which share common democratic values and goals.
For those of you who wish to attack Bush - you are in the wrong forum.
Yes - he may not be perfect.
Yes - he may not be Israel's puppet.
And yes - he may not even move on releasing Jonathan Pollard - but this man is Israel's friend.
Each hour he spends flying towards and away from Israel he puts his life at stake for us.
Each footstep he takes in Jerusalem honors this small nation.
He is not running for office. He has no ulterior motives other than the security of the United States of America and her allies.
We are witnessing history.
We are witnessing a sacred friendship of two nations fighting on the front line in the war against global Islamic terrorism. To preserve freedom, security and peace.
This is our story.
This is our message.
Let's wish Bush, Olmert and their messengers: Danny Seaman, Mark Regev, Arye Mekel and Micky Rosenfeld the very best of success.
Also a very large thank you to the staff of the Israel Project for their many creative efforts on behalf of Israel.
In the hours and days to come, I will be reporting live in this blog and for the Israel News Agency on the historic events taking place in Israel.
Wish us luck!
Joel Leyden
http://www.IsraelPr.com
http://www.CrisisCommunications
http://www.BushIsrael.com
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