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| Obama Visits Conservative DC Synagogue to Mark Jewish American Heritage Month (1290089) | |||
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Obama Visits Conservative DC Synagogue to Mark Jewish American Heritage Month |
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Posted by WMATAGMOAGH on Fri May 22 14:56:09 2015 This morning, I had the honor and privilege to attend President Obama's speech at Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, DC to mark Jewish American Heritage Month. I was seated about 50 feet away from where the president gave his speech; I figure that is probably about as close to a sitting president during my lifetime. You can read the full text of the president's remarks .This speech, as well as an interview with Jeffery Goldberg of the Atlantic are part of an effort by Obama to convince American Jewry that he supports Israel and other matters important to them. I'd say the audience was friendly, but there were definitely times that while some were applauding, others were sitting on their hands, including myself. The speech itself covered little new ground, although Obama did acknowledge the Palestinians have been difficult peace partners. If only he would say that to some other audiences sometime. He also reiterated his stances on the Iran nuclear deal, his vision for a two state solution, and all the other usual talking points. He also spoke about the influence that the Torah, Jewish historical narrative, and pioneering Israel have on his worldview. While I think he does truly believe that he has Israel's best interests at heart, as I've said before, I think Obama has stumbled badly in demonstrating that through his actions. As a result of misguided advice, beliefs, or something else, I believe we are further from peace in the Middle East today than we were on January 20, 2009. I don't see the Iran deal changing that reality and I place significant blame on Obama for bungling the peace process as he has. He also said he holds Israel to a higher standard because of its democratic, liberal values. I'm glad he realizes Israel is a liberal democracy, but does he hold other countries to nearly as high a standard resulting in public rebukes of their leaders? It doesn't seem so to me. Anyway, even though I didn't agree with every line of the speech nor do I agree with every word and action of Obama's during his administration, I am still starstruck by having been in the same room as him while he spoke this morning. No matter what you think of Obama or anyone else who has held or will hold the title of commander in chief, the office of the president deserves everyone's utmost respect. I know not everyone in the room this morning is in lockstep with Obama's ideas, but he certainly was respected by the audience, reflecting another Jewish value of having civilized debate and discussion, even on matters where there is disagreement.  
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