Obama: American Jews stood with African-Americans in struggle for freedom

Obama speaks lightly about the Jewish precept that you shouldn’t say too many good things about a person in their presence. Thanks for the medal, he says, but “Dayenu” — enough — a timely Passover reference.

More substantively, he parallels the American struggle for freedom and equality to Israel’s struggle. He hails the sacrifices of people like Martin Luther King, and of Peres — saying their work was central to his ability to come to Israel. He talks about the way American Jews stood shoulder-to-shoulder with African-Americans in their struggle for freedom.

And, as he did earlier in the day, he notes that his visit is taking place shortly before the Jewish festival of freedom. In that context, he speaks of the similarities between the histories of Israelis and of African-Americans — former slaves who suffered terrible hardship but eventually achieved freedom in a new land. “Our very existence, our presence here tonight, is a testament that all things are possible,” he says.

And now the dignitaries get to eat.

Channel 2 remarked earlier that Peres “is going out of his way” to make Obama aware that he has a partner for peace in Israel — the president, that is, if not the prime minister. There was also much amusement that Peres took Obama’s wine glass away from him before Obama could speak. When Obama wanted to toast Peres, he was, therefore, wine-less. A replacement glass was quickly provided. “That’s good wine,” Obama pronounced.