President Obama Delivers Statement to Israeli Public
(October 20, 2009)
On October 20, 2009, US President Barack Obama sent a special video message to the opening session of the Israeli presidential conference entitled "Facing Tomorrow" being held in Jerusalem.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, honored guests, I’m happy to send
my warmest welcome to all of you who have gathered for this important
Conference on Facing Tomorrow. I’m sorry that I could not be with you in
person, but I’m so pleased that our extraordinary ambassador to the United Nations,
Susan Rice, will be participating with all of you.
I’m especially honored to send my greetings to a great statesman, the host
of this Conference, President Shimon Peres. His life stands as an
extraordinary example how courage and perseverance can help shape the future and turn harrowing challenges into historic opportunities. In his lifetime, he’s
helped to build and secure the State of Israel, he has faced grave threats and
forged peace, and he has always challenged us to seek the promise of a better day.
Shimon has also contributed to a deep and much abiding friendship between the United States and Israel. A bond that is much more than a strategic alliance. The
American people and the Israeli people share a faith in the future, a belief that democracies can shape their own destiny and that
opportunities should be available to all.
Throughout its own extraordinary history, Israel has given life to that
promise. We see it in Israel’s thriving democracy. We see it in the courage
of citizens who go about their lives even when faced with grave danger. We
see it in the prosperity that has been forged and the innovation that has spread
benefits well beyond Israel’s borders. We were reminded of this recently
when Ada Yonath was chosen as the Nobel laureate for chemistry. We also see
it in the optimism that has brought you together. Our moment in history is
filled with challenges that test our will and invite pessimism. From a
global economic crisis to a growing danger from climate change from the
spread of nuclear weapons to the obstacles that stand in the way of a secure
and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Faced with these burdens we can choose to defer action to sustain a
dangerous status quo or we can meet the challenges of our time head-on. Like
you I believe that now is the time to act.
By drawing upon such a wide range
of expertise within Israel, President Peres is harnessing the talent and
dynamism of the Israeli people in facing the future. By bringing together
such a broad and remarkable group of leaders from around the world he is
underscoring a fundamental truth – we cannot meet the tests of our time
unless we meet them together. All of us must accept our share of
responsibility for progress. As we look to the future, consider what we can
be achieved if we move beyond our differences if a secure Israel and
independent Palestine are at peace and Arab states commit to genuine
reconciliation. If new partnerships were forged across the region to
advance health and education, clean energy and innovation. If we overcome
the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction and if global cooperation
were founded upon the basis of mutual interests and mutual respect and we met
our responsibilities to leave our children a world that is more peaceful and
prosperous. It’s easy to grow disenheartened, but together we must keep our
eyes fixed on the future that we want to build. History shows us what is
possible. Israel’s story tells us that impossible odds can be overcome and
Shimon’s leadership reminds us the dark moments cannot conceal a path to
progress. I wish you all a productive and successful Conference.
Sources: The
White House |