Trump and Netanyahu
Trump and NetanyahuHadas Parush/Flash 90

Jewish organizations in the United States praised President Donald Trump following his visit to Israel, which concluded on Tuesday afternoon when he took off to Rome, the next stop on his trip.

Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations welcomed Trump’s distinct and vigorous reaffirmation of the unshakeable bond between the United States and Israel in his address to the Israeli people at the Israel Museum.

Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO said, “In his address today to the Israeli people, President Trump clearly and directly placed the stamp of his administration on the 69 year long policy of U.S. support for the state of Israel, noting that the relationship between the U.S. and Israel ‘is woven together in the hearts of our people – and their love of freedom, hope, and dignity for all.’”

“The President unambiguously acknowledged the ‘ancient and eternal’ connection of the Jewish people to Israel; praised Israel’s protection of the rights of all faiths to ‘live and worship according to their conscience and to follow their dreams;’ called on ‘the world to fully recognize the vital role of the state of Israel’ in assuring a future of peace and hope in the region; and, he pledged to stand by Israel and defend the values shared by both countries,” they added.

“Noting that ‘Israel is a thriving nation – and has not only uplifted this region, but the entire world,’ President Trump’s message of U.S. support extended across the range of challenges facing Israel from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, Palestinian incitement and support for terrorism, and international campaigns to isolate and delegitimize the Jewish state.”

“In his Jerusalem address, the President reiterated his commitment to promoting the participation of Arab countries in helping Israel and the Palestinians move toward peace and security and he stated that President Abbas ‘is ready to reach a peace deal.’”

“We note that in the President’s remarks during his meeting with President Abbas in Bethlehem earlier in the day, he pointedly observed that, ‘[P]eace can never take root in an environment where violence is tolerated, funded or rewarded.’ Until the Palestinian Authority ends its loathsome policy of financial incentives for perpetrators of terror attacks against Israelis, President Abbas’ readiness cannot be taken seriously by the Israeli people.”

Similarly, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) commended Trump on a successful visit to Israel and his commitment to working for a secure Israel at peace with its neighbors.

“We commend the president for choosing to visit Israel on his first international trip and his affirmation of the ‘unshakable’ bond between our two countries. Throughout the two days, President Trump made clear that not only would his Administration stand with Israel to ensure its security and stability, but also to work towards reaching peace with the Palestinians and the wider Arab world,” said ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt.

“He was clearly moved by his visit to Jerusalem and its holy sites. In particular, his clear acknowledgement of the Jewish people’s ties to Jerusalem was significant in light of recent anti-Israel UNESCO resolutions. His recitation of the thousands of years of Jewish connection to and presence in the land of Israel was an important rebuke against anti-Israel forces and those who seek to deny that unalterable connection,” added Greenblatt.

“The president’s remarks at Yad Vashem were an important statement about his appreciation for the horrors suffered by the Jewish people during the Holocaust, and the need to remain vigilant in the face of anti-Semitism today.”

“The president also recognized the dangers to Israel posed by Palestinian incitement, as evidenced by his call on Palestinian President Abbas to stop paying the families of jailed Palestinian terrorists, and his visit to both Saudi Arabia and Israel affirmed America’s stalwart stance in support of Israel along with other regional U.S. allies in standing against extremism, terrorism and Iranian efforts to destabilize the region and pursue nuclear weapons.”