This week, with much fanfare, pomp and circumstance, President Barack Obama made his first trip to Israel as president of the United States. Leading up to his departure, Americans and Israelis alike read article after article by pundits analyzing and over-analyzing the trip's itinerary, goals and deeper meanings. Popularity polls were taken, supporters hailed and critics roared, all the result of a healthy free press -- a pillar of democracy both our societies enjoy.

 

Now that the crowds have dissipated, the press has gone home and Air Force One has departed into the blue sky, one thing has been made clear: Obama's visit to Israel was more than pomp and circumstance.

 

Obama recognized Israel as the Jewish homeland. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to peace with the Palestinians based on a two-state solution. The Israeli leadership hope this visit will launch a new wave of positive momentum toward not only jump-starting peace talks, but bringing talks to a fruitful and definitive conclusion.

 

Obama made clear his resolve to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons through determined diplomacy and strong sanctions. Israel stands with him.

 

Both leaders spoke about the shared goal of seeing a stable and peaceful Syria emerge from the carnage that has resulted in the death of more than 70,000 people and the suffering of millions. Both our governments share the determination to prevent the deadly arsenal of weapons in Syria from falling into terrorists' hands.

 

Thursday, Obama visited two exhibits at the Israel Museum. Here, ancient history intertwines with modern ingenuity -- a perfect juxtaposition illustrating the true essence of Israel. The museum's Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit serves not only as archaeological testimony to the existence of the Jewish people on our land 2,000 years ago, but also as an example of painstaking preservation by Israel's archaeologists and historians.

 

Sixty-five years ago, with the support of the world's great power, the United States of America, Israel was born from the memories of innocent Jews slaughtered because of their beliefs. Now, after less than a century -- a mere two to three generations later -- the Jewish people have cultivated crops in the desert, established some of the world's best universities, promoted the rule of law and democracy, respected people of all religions and made up for a lack of natural resources with brain power that has led to feats of technological innovation.

 

In just 65 years, Israelis have built a great and wonderful society. We have contributed to the top inventions of our time such as instant messaging, the flash drive, solar windows and space cameras. We are an industrious and creative people motivated for good. These achievements and accomplishments are made possible by the brotherly embrace of the United States.

 

So as President Obama reflects on his trip to Israel -- his tour of the Iron Dome Missile Defense system, the demonstrations of the brightest Israeli inventions and his visit to the meticulously restored sacred holy sites -- surely he will realize that the great land of Israel is a reflection of the great land of the United States of America. While our histories are in many ways different, the fabric of our modern societies is intricately interwoven. Israelis are glad for it, and I hope Americans are, too.

 

Opher Aviran is consul general of Israel to the Southeast.