Washington – 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.
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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.
Well I am certainly reassured now!
We are proud of you mr president. Nice yermilka!!
So the bomb will have his name as well, and any casualties associated with it.
We are not interested in your back,
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.
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” .
…with a knife in his hand.
He has our back? You mean a knife in the back! What a phoney
I have nothing to add. at least there are “folks” who are not fooled by this little charade.
So the bomb will have his name as well, and any casualties associated with it.
He has OUR Backs the same as HE HAS NETANYAHU’S & ISRAEL’S BACK TOO..MAMZA!
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.