Washington – Obama Tells People Of Israel: ‘America Has Its Back’

    15

    U.S. President Barack Obama wears a traditional head covering as he delivers remarks on Jewish American History Month at the Adas Israel Congregation synagogue in Washington May 22, 2015.  REUTERS/Jonathan ErnstWashington – President Barack Obama said Friday he “forcefully” objects to suggestions that policy differences between his administration and the Israeli government signal his lack of support for the longtime U.S. ally.

    Join our WhatsApp group

    Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email


    Speaking at one of Washington’s most prominent synagogues, Obama said the U.S. and Israel should not be expected to paper over differences on Israel’s settlement building or the frozen peace process with the Palestinians.

    “That’s not a true measure of friendship,” Obama told about 1,200 people, including members of Congress, gathered at Congregation Adas Israel. “The people of Israel must always know America has its back.”

    The president’s remarks come during a period of deep tension in an already prickly relationship with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over Obama’s bid to strike a nuclear deal with Iran. Netanyahu views Iran’s disputed nuclear program as an existential threat to Israel and has lobbied vigorously against such a deal, including by addressing a joint meeting of Congress earlier this year.

    Obama defended the framework deal that negotiators are seeking to finalize by the end of June, saying it would make Israel and the entire region safer. Still, he said given the high stakes, he welcomes scrutiny of the negotiations.

    “This deal will have my name on it,” he said.

    The president and Netanyahu also clashed during the recent Israeli elections over the prime minister’s comments on the peace process. Netanyahu said in the lead-up to the election that he no longer backed a two-state solution, though he reversed himself after his party’s victory.

    Obama also addressed what he called a “deeply disturbing rise” in anti-Semitism around the world. He said the world knows from history that this is “not some passing fad” and should not be ignored.

    Obama’s appearance coincided with Solidarity Shabbat, devoted to showing unity by political leaders in Europe and North America against anti-Semitism.

    Before leaving, Obama visited with a group of pre-school toddlers in a room downstairs with their teachers, entering the small room clapping and stepping to the tune of their Jewish song. “This looks like a pretty well-behaved group, generally before nap time anyway,” he said.

    A man applauds as President Barack Obama speaks at Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, Friday May 22, 2015, as part of Jewish American Heritage Month. The president addressed one of the largest Jewish congregations in Washington to highlight efforts to combat anti-Semitism, a problem he says has created an intimidating environment worldwide for Jewish families. The appearance coincides with Solidarity Shabbat, devoted to showing unity by political leaders in Europe and North America against anti-Semitism. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)


    Listen to the VINnews podcast on:

    iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Podbean | Amazon

    Follow VINnews for Breaking News Updates


    Connect with VINnews

    Join our WhatsApp group


    15 Comments
    Most Voted
    Newest Oldest
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    8 years ago

    Well I am certainly reassured now!

    Mazal1
    Mazal1
    8 years ago

    We are proud of you mr president. Nice yermilka!!

    misslydia128
    misslydia128
    8 years ago

    So the bomb will have his name as well, and any casualties associated with it.

    8 years ago

    We are not interested in your back,

    lavrenty
    Member
    lavrenty
    8 years ago

    haha, that is a good one, however Barack Shavuos is a time of seriousness, Purim is when we say jokes, plus wearing a yamaka in a reform “temple” is optional unless you are a woman than you must.

    Zachor613
    Zachor613
    8 years ago

    He said he was shocked about R Wright’s hatred of America.
    He promised you could keep your doctor and save 2,500 in premiums..
    He promised a golden era in race relations.
    He told us Trayvon Martin was an innocent kid hunted down like a dog by “Zimmerman”.
    Brown was a “gentle” giant who had his hands up and was shot in the back.
    He supported The Muslim Brotherhood.
    He promised a “red line” in Syria. if chemical weapons were used.
    ISIS is. A Jayvee Team and terrorists are on the run.

    He told us Bush failed with the surge, and Obama is succeeding in Iraq.

    All “Newspeak” .

    bennyt
    bennyt
    8 years ago

    …with a knife in his hand.

    sissel613
    sissel613
    8 years ago

    He has our back? You mean a knife in the back! What a phoney

    sylmoss
    sylmoss
    8 years ago

    I have nothing to add. at least there are “folks” who are not fooled by this little charade.

    misslydia128
    misslydia128
    8 years ago

    So the bomb will have his name as well, and any casualties associated with it.

    marcia
    marcia
    8 years ago

    He has OUR Backs the same as HE HAS NETANYAHU’S & ISRAEL’S BACK TOO..MAMZA!

    8 years ago

    Anyone who wonders why the frum community has such a poor image in the eyes of non-frum Jews need only read all the above comments. The name calling, the mindless hate, the casual portrayal of an American president as someone who wants to kill Jews, etc. The “heimishe segments” of the frum world (you see and hear very little of this sick hysteria from Modern Orthodox Jews — even those who disagree vehemently with Obama’s policies) come across like uneducated racist boors. Yes, I say racist because many of the same posters here who tear Obama apart but deny that race enters into their feelings expose themselves by the racist rants they post about any stories involving police-black relations.