Last Sunday, Barack held a meeting in Cleveland, Ohio with about 100 Jewish community leaders. He discussed his commitment to the security of Israel and the friendship between the United States and Israel, reaching out to people of different faiths, and how his own faith influences his life.Here is an excerpt from what Barack said:
The U.S.-Israel relationship is rooted in shared interests, shared values, shared history and in deep friendship among our people. It is supported by a strong bipartisan consensus that I am proud to be a part of and I will work tirelessly as president to uphold and enhance the friendship between the two countries. Two years ago I had a chance to travel to Israel and it left a lasting impression on me...I know how much Israelis crave peace. I know that Prime Minister Olmert was elected with a mandate to pursue it. I pledge to make every effort to help Israel achieve that peace. I will strengthen Israel’s security and strengthen Palestinian partners who support that vision and personally work for two states that can live side by side in peace and security with Israel’s status as a Jewish state ensured so that Israelis and Palestinians can pursue their dreams.”
