President Joe Biden vowed Thursday that the United States will always stand by Israel’s side, during his address at a ceremony hosted by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
At the ceremony, during which Biden was presented by Herzog with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, Biden attributed his interest in the Jewish state to his “righteous Christian” father.
“You know that my love for Israel is deep-rooted,” said Biden.
“I’ve had the honor — it’s hard to say these words, for over 50 years, it can’t be that long — but for over 50 years in the federal government, helping build the relationship.”
Biden compared Israel and the US, calling both “places built on hope, grit and determination.”
“Seeing Israel thrive, seeing the wildest dreams of Israel’s founding fathers and mothers grow into a reality that Israel’s children enjoy today, to me is close to miraculous.”
“Every time I’ve come over the years, thank God, God seems to be holding us in the palm of His hand,” Biden continued, quoting the Book of Psalms.. “Because we get stronger, not weaker, and to me it’s pretty miraculous.”
The president also referenced the Torah portion read in Diaspora communities this coming Sabbath, in which Israel is called “the people that dwell alone.”
“As I look out at these proud, strong Israelis in the audience, at the nation that made the desert bloom and built the Iron Dome, I see people who are growing more secure, more integrated, more confident and have greater relations with their neighbors. A nation that has forged peace before and can do it again. And a nation that will never dwell alone, because as long as there’s the United States you will never be alone.”
“As a leader I can say without hesitation that receiving this award today is one of the greatest honors of my career, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”