did you know that throughout the American history all the - TopicsExpress

did you know that throughout the American history all the presidents of united sates respected the state of Israel and even promised to continuously support its existence because they share similar democratic values. IM A PROUD ISRAELI AMERICAN GIRL!!! John Adams (1797-1801) I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilize man than any other nation. (Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson) John Quincy Adams (1825-1829) [I believe in the] rebuilding of Judea as an independent nation. Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865) Not long after the Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln met a Canadian Christian Zionist, Henry Wentworth Monk, who expressed hope that Jews who were suffering oppression in Russia and Turkey be emancipated “by restoring them to their national home in Palestine.” Lincoln said this was “a noble dream and one shared by many Americans.” The President said his chiropodist was a Jew who “has so many times ‘put me upon my feet’ that I would have no objection to giving his countrymen ‘a leg up.’” Warren Harding (1921-1923) It is impossible for one who has studied at all the services of the Hebrew people to avoid the faith that they will one day be restored to their historic national home and there enter on a new and yet greater phase of their contribution to the advance of humanity. Calvin Coolidge (1923-1928) Coolidge expressed his “sympathy with the deep and intense longing which finds such fine expression in the Jewish National Homeland in Palestine.” The Jews themselves, of whom a considerable number were already scattered throughout the colonies, were true to the teachings of their prophets. The Jewish faith is predominantly the faith of liberty. Franklin Roosevelt (1932-1944) The American people, ever zealous in the cause of human freedom, have watched with sympathetic interest the effort of the Jews to renew in Palestine the ties of their ancient homeland and to reestablish Jewish culture in the place where for centuries it flourished and whence it was carried to the far corners of the world. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the keystone of contemporary reconstruction activities in the Jewish homeland. Those two decades have witnessed a remarkable exemplification of the vitality and vision of the Jewish pioneers in Palestine. It should be a source of pride to Jewish citizens of the United States that they, too, have had a share in this great work of revival and restoration. (Greeting to the United Palestine Appeal, February 6, 1937). I have on numerous occasions, as you know, expressed my sympathy in the establishment of a National Home for the Jews in Palestine and, despite the set-backs caused by the disorders there during the last few years, I have been heartened by the progress which has been made and by the remarkable accomplishments of the Jewish settlers in that country. (Letter to Senator Tyding Harry Truman (1944-1952) Truman with Chaim Weizmann I had faith in Israel before it was established, I have faith in it now. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1952-1960) Eisenhower with David Ben-Gurion “Despite the present, temporary interests that Israel has in common with France and Britain, you ought not to forget that the strength of Israel and her future are bound up with the United States.” (Message to Israeli PM David Ben-Gurion, October 31, 1956) Our forces saved the remnant of the Jewish people of Europe for a new life and a new hope in the reborn land of Israel. Along with all men of good will, I salute the young state and wish it well. The people of Israel, like those of the United States, are imbued with a religious faith and a sense of moral values John Kennedy (1960-1963) Let us make it clear that we will never turn our backs on our steadfast friends in Israel, whose adherence to the democratic way must be admired by all friends of freedom.” (Speech at Eastern Oregon College of Education, November 9, 1959 Lyndon Johnson (1963-1968)When Soviet Premier Aleksei Kosygin asked Johnson why the United States supports Israel when there are 80 million Arabs and only three million Israelis, the President replied simply: “Because it is right. Gerald Ford (1974-1976) America must and will pursue friendship with all nations. But, this will never be done at the expense of Americas committment to Israel. A strong Israel is essential to a stable peace in the Middle East. Our committment to Israel will meet the test of American stead, fairness, and resolve. My administration will not be found wanting. The United States will continue to help Israel provide for her security. My dedication to Israels future goes beyond its military needs to a far higher priority -- the need for peace. My commitment to the security and future of Israel is based upon basic morality as well as enlightened self-interest. Our role in supporting Israel honors our own heritage. Jimmy Carter (1976-1980) Carter with Menachem Begin, 1979 (Photo Israeli GPO) We have a special relationship with Israel. Its absolutely crucial that no one in our country or around the world ever doubt that our number one committment in the Middle East is to protect the right of Israel to exist, to exist permanently, and to exist in peace. Its a special relationship. (Presidents News Conference, May 12, 1977 Ronald Reagan (1980-1988) I welcome this chance to further strengthen the unbreakable ties between the United States and Israel and to assure you of our commitment to Israels security and well-being. Israel and America may be thousands of miles apart, but we are philosophical neighbors sharing a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. What we hold in common are the bonds of trust and friendship, qualities that in our eyes make Israel a great nation. No people have fought longer, struggled harder, or sacrificed more than yours in order to survive, to grow, and to live in freedom (Remarks at Welcoming Ceremony for PM Menachem Begin, September 9, 1981) Israel exists; it has a right to exist in peace behind secure and defensible borders; and it has a right to demand of its neighbors that they recognize those facts. I have personally followed and supported Israels heroic struggle for survival, ever since the founding of the State of Israel 34 years ago. In the pre-1967 borders Israel was barely 10 miles wide at its narrowest point. The bulk of Israels population lived within artillery range of hostile Arab armies. I am not about to ask Israel to live that way again. George Bush (1988 - 1992) The friendship, the alliance between the United States and Israel is strong and solid -- built upon a foundation of shared democratic values, of shared history and heritage that sustain the moral life of our two countries. The emotional bond of our peoples goes -- it transcends politics. Our strategic cooperation -- and I renewed today our determination that that go forward -- is a source of mutual security. And the United States commitment to the security of Israel remains unshakable. We may differ over some policies from time to time, individual policies, but never over this principle. (Remarks to Dinner Honoring PM Yitzhak Shamir, April 6, 1989) Bill Clinton (1992 - 2000) Clinton with PM Yitzhak Rabin (Photo Israel Government Press Office) Israels democracy is the bedrock on which our relationship stands. Its a shining example for people around the world who are on the frontline of the struggle for democracy in their own lands. Our relationship is also based on our common interest in a more stable and peaceful Middle East, a Middle East that will finally accord Israel the recognition and acceptance that its people have yearned for so long and have been too long denied, a Middle East that will know greater democracy for all its peoples ... I believe strongly in the benefit to American interests from strengthened relationships with Israel. Our talks today have been conducted in that context. We have begun a dialog intended to raise our relationship to a new level of strategic partnership, partners in the pursuit of peace, partners in the pursuit of security. George W. Bush (2000 - 2008) Bush with PM Ariel Sharon (Photo Ron Sachs) We will speak up for our principles and we will stand up for our friends in the world. And one of our most important friends is the State of Israel ... Israel is a small country that has lived under threat throughout its existence. At the first meeting of my National Security Council, I told them a top foreign policy priority is the safety and security of Israel. My Administration will be steadfast in supporting Israel against terrorism and violence, and in seeking the peace for which all Israelis pray Barack Obama (2008 - Present) Obama with PM Benjamin Netanyahu (White House Photo) “The United States was the first country to recognize Israel in 1948, minutes after its declaration of independence, and the deep bonds of friendship between the U.S. and Israel remain as strong and unshakeable as ever.” A strong and secure Israel is in the national security interest of the United States not simply because we share strategic interests ... America’s commitment to Israel’s security flows from a deeper place -- and that’s the values we share. As two people who struggled to win our freedom against overwhelming odds, we understand that preserving the security for which our forefathers -- and foremothers -- fought must be the work of every generation. As two vibrant democracies, we recognize that the liberties and freedoms we cherish must be constantly nurtured. And as the nation that recognized the State of Israel moments after its independence, we have a profound commitment to its survival as a strong, secure homeland for the Jewish people ...Because we understand the challenges Israel faces, I and my administration have made the security of Israel a priority. It’s why we’ve increased cooperation between our militaries to unprecedented levels. It’s why we’re making our most advanced technologies available to our Israeli allies. It’s why, despite tough fiscal times, we’ve increased foreign military financing to record levels. And that includes additional support –- beyond regular military aid -– for the Iron Dome anti-rocket system ... So make no mistake, we will maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge.” (Speech at the 2011 AIPAC Policy Conference, May 22, 2011) Americas commitment to Israels security is unshakeable, and our friendship with Israel is deep and enduring. And so we believe that any lasting peace must acknowledge the very real security concerns that Israel faces every single day ... The Jewish people have forged a successful state in their historic homeland. Israel deserves recognition. It deserves normal relations with its neighbors. And friends of the Palestinians do them no favors by ignoring this truth, just as friends of Israel must recognize the need to pursue a two state solution with a secure Israel next to an independent Palestine.