Obama lays out case for Israel to revive talks

Obama delivered an enthusiastically welcomed speech before an audience of youthful Israelis

RICK GLADSTONE

Laying out his case for a future Israel at peace with the Palestinians,President Obama delivered an enthusiastically welcomed speech on Thursday before an audience of youthful Israelis in Jerusalem,assuring them of Americas strong support but asking them to empathize with their Israeli-occupied neighbours and look at the world through their eyes.

In a carefully crafted address widely regarded as the centrepiece of his first trip to Israel as president,Obama spoke in lofty terms about Israels history and ideals,pointing out again and again how America had stood at its side and saying he remains unquestionably committed to Israels security. But the speech also seemed intended as an opportunity for Obama to appeal to a young generation of Israelis who do not necessarily share the hardened views of many of their elders,who are at best mistrustful of the Palestinians and wary of Obama himself.

I recognize there are those who are not simply skeptical about peace,but question its underlying premise,and thats a part of democracy and the discourse between our two countries, Obama said in the speech at the Jerusalem Convention Centre,televised live.

In what appeared to be a gentle swipe at the tough Palestinian policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel,Obama said he believed Israelis have a true partner in the administration of Mahmoud Abbas,president of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank,with whom he had met hours earlier in Ramallah.

Speaking as a politician,I can promise you this: political leaders will not take risks if the people do not demand, Obama said,in tones reminiscent of his own political campaigns at home. You must create the change you want to see.

Given the sweep of political conflict and religious extremism roiling the Arab world,Obama said,it is tempting to turn inward,but this is precisely the time to respond to the wave of revolution with a resolve for peace. Making peace with the Palestinians,he said,is a powerful way to begin.

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Repeatedly interrupted by applause,Obama asked his audience to recognize Palestinian right to self-determination and justice that Israelis enjoy.

Put yourself in their shoes look through their eyes, he said. It is not fair that a Palestinian child cannot grow up in a state of her own,and lives with the presence of a foreign army that controls the movements of her parents,every single day. It is not just when settler violence against Palestinians goes unpunished; or displace Palestinian families from their homes.

Obamas date with miss Israel

Barack Obama,Americas first black president,invited Israels first black beauty queen to dine with him. Yityish Titi Aynaw,21,an immigrant from Ethiopia who was crowned Miss Israel a month ago,will attend the state dinner hosted by Israeli President Shimon Peres for Obama Thursday. In an interview to a local TV channel,Titi described Obama as a role model and the chance to see him as a dream coming true. Its a huge honour8230; I know his life story8230; I am very very excited to meet him. AP