The recognition of shared values has been a consistent theme in statements by American Presidents since Truman. John Kennedy, for example, declared: "This nation, from the time of President Woodrow Wilson, has established and continued a tradition of friendship with Israel because we are committed to all free societies that seek a path to peace and honor individual right. In the prophetic spirit of Zionism all free men today look to a better world and in the experience of Zionism we know that it takes courage and perseverance and dedication to achieve it".
"The United States and Israel shared many common objectives...chief of which is the building of a better world in which every nation can develop its resources and develop them in freedom and peace", said Lyndon Johnson
The roots of Johnson feelings, like those of many other Americans came from the Bible. As he explained in a speech before B'ani B'rith: " Most if not all of you have very deep ties with the land and with the people of Israel, as I do, for my Christian faith sprang from yours." The President explained that "the Bible stories are woven into my childhood memories as the gallant struggle of modern Jew to be free of persecution is also woven into our souls.
Richard Nixon asserted that the United States stands by its friends and that "Israel is one of its friends". His successor, Gerald Ford, reaffirmed his "commitment to the security and future of Israel is based upon basic morality as well as enlightened self-interest. Our role is supporting Israel honors our own heritage.
"The United States", Jimmy Carter said "has a warm and a unique relationship of friendship with Israel that is morally right. It is compatible with our deepest religious convictions, and it is right in terms of America's own strategic interest. We are committed to Israel's security, prosperity and future as a land that has so much to offer the world".
Ronald Reagan was the first President to state explicitly that Israel was a strategic assest to the United States, a belief he expressed even before he was elected: "Only by full appreciation of the critical role of the State of Israel plays in our strategic calculus can we build the foundation for thwarting Moscow's' designs on territories and resources vital to our security and our national well-being". But reagan also understood this alliance sprangg from shared values:"Since the rebirth of the State Israel, there has been an ironclad bond between that democracy and this one".
Shortly after taking office, George Bush (the Father) said: "The relationship, the alliance between the United States and Israel is strong and solid, built upon a foundation of shared democratic values, of shared history and heritage, that sustains the life of our two countries. The emotional bond of our people transcends politics. Our strategic cooperation and I renew today our determinatin that that go forward is a source of mutual security. And the United States' commitment to the security of Israel remains unshakable. We may differ over some politics from time to time, individual policies, but never over principle.
President Bill Clinton has taken the relationship to another level during his administration. "Our relationship would never vary from its allegiance to the shared values, the shared religious heritage, the shared democratic politics which have made the relationship between United States and Israel a special even on occasion a wonderful relationship.
The Jewish population in the United States is less than six millions, therefore, the political activity of jews who view strengtening U.S Israel relations to be in the national interest alone cannot explain the depth of the friendship that exists. Fewer than 3 percent of the population could hardly have such a dramatic influence on American foregin policy. The US-Israel alliance is rooted in shared values. |
