President Bush in Israel

President Bush in Israel (2008)

  • 3/14/2013
  •  
     
    ​

     
  •  

  • The Visit

  •  
    US President George W. Bush visited Israel twice during his two terms:

    In January 9-11, 2008, President Bush's primary goal was to monitor and encourage peace talks between the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority. While in Israel, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and PA President Mahmoud Abbas.


    In May 14-16, 2008, President Bush visited marking the 60th anniversary of the founding​ of the state of Israel. While in Israel, he addressed the Knesset and met with President Peres and Prime Minister Olmert .


    US President George W. Bush on the reception ceremony at the Ben Gurion Airport with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Shimon Peres.



    US President George W. Bush, His wife Laura Bush, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, his wife Aliza Olmert and President Shimon Peres on the reception ceremony at the Ben Gurion Airport.



    U.S. President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, First Lady Laura Bush and the Prime Minister's wife, Aliza Olmert,  during a tour of the historic desert fortress at Masada, Israel on May 15, 2008. Israel. ​



    US President George W. Bush rides an Israeli made bicycle he received from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during a private dinner at his residence on May 15, 2008 in Jerusalem, Israel.


    Then opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu greets US President George W. Bush in the Knesset.



    US President George W. Bush, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik (center​), at the Knesset.​

  • Quotes

  •  
    President George Bush's Add​ress to the Knesset, May 15, 2008

    "Sixty years ago in Tel Aviv, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed Israel's independence, founded on the 'natural right of the Jewish people to be masters of their own fate.' What followed was more than the establishment of a new country. It was the redemption of an ancient promise given to Abraham and Moses and David -- a homeland for the chosen people Eretz Yisrael.

    Eleven minutes later, on the orders of President Harry Truman, the United States was proud to be the first nation to recognize Israel's independence. And on this landmark anniversary, America is proud to be Israel's closest ally and best friend in the world.

    The alliance between our governments is unbreakable, yet the source of our friendship runs deeper than any treaty. It is grounded in the shared spirit of our people, the bonds of the Book, the ties of the soul. When William Bradford stepped off the Mayflower in 1620, he quoted the words of Jeremiah: "Come let us declare in Zion the word of God." The founders of my country saw a new promised land and bestowed upon their towns names like Bethlehem and New Canaan. And in time, many Americans became passionate advocates for a Jewish state." (Full Text)