In hope, in faith

Mr. President,

The State of Israel welcomes you today to our home. We wish you and your delegation an enjoyable and fruitful stay with us.

Mr. President, for many in the United States of America we are just one of about 200 countries that make up our stormy world. And while we certainly have a special relationship, we are just one of these many countries. But, for Israelis it is different. You are the one and the only superpower. And there is simply no one like you.

We have received warmth and friendship from the American people and the American government in all aspects of life, from day one. Like a good friend, when we needed help, you have stood by us. For us Israelis, this is an occasion to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything that your country has done for us.

You, the great America, have given us life. You, the great America, facilitated our rise from the ashes of the Holocaust to the establishment of a state; an eternal shelter; a home for the Jewish people.

The Jewish people have a long collective memory. And we do not forget. We have no doubt that this relationship, built on common interests, will continue to grow in the future, even if – like good friends – we agree to disagree from time to time.

Mr. President, you came to a turbulent and unsettled Middle East, during a period of perhaps unprecedented uncertainty. Millions of eyes in the Middle East are watching you and your country in hope, in prayer and in faith.

In our scripture it is written: "May the LORD bless you and guard you/ May the LORD make His face shed light upon you and be gracious unto you/ May the LORD lift up His face unto you and give you peace."

God bless you. God bless the United States of America.

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