President Speaks to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Remarks by the President to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.
8:53 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Finally, AIPAC elected a
President I can kiss. (Laughter and applause.)
I'm honored to be here at AIPAC, thank you for such a warm
welcome. It's good to be with so many friends -- friends of mine and
friends of Israel. (Applause.) For more than 50 years, the United
States and Israel have been steadfast allies. AIPAC is one of the
reasons why. (Applause.) You've worked tirelessly to strengthen the
ties that bind our nations -- our shared values, our strong commitment
to freedom. (Applause.)
By defending the freedom and prosperity and security of Israel,
you're also serving the cause of America. (Applause.) Our nation is
stronger and safer because we have a true and dependable ally in
Israel. (Applause.) I appreciate -- (applause) -- I'm just getting
warmed up. (Laughter and applause.)
I want to thank Amy for her leadership. (Applause.) I appreciate
you taking time to serve a cause that -- in which you believe deeply.
I want to thank Bernice for her willingness to serve, as well.
(Applause.) I've known Howard for a long time. He's effective.
(Laughter and applause.) I want to thank the AIPAC board -- AIPAC
board members for their friendship and leadership. I'm honored to be
in the presence of my friend, the Ambassador from Israel, Danny
Ayalon. I appreciate you being here, Danny. (Applause.)
Ehud Olmert is with us. Ehud, it's good to see you again. Thank
you, sir. (Applause.) I remember the first time we visited in 1998.
I had just been re-elected as the Governor of Texas. I went to Israel,
and Ehud welcomed me and three over governors to, I guess, your
office. You were the Mayor, if I'm not mistaken, at that point in
time. And you were focused on filling potholes and emptying the
garbage of the people -- (laughter.) But we struck up a good
relationship then, and it's great to see you again.
I appreciate the other ministers who are here, some of whom I have
met before, some of whom I have had not the honor of meeting. I know I
met Tommy before. Appreciate you all being here. Welcome to America.
Thank you, Tommy. (Applause.)
I'd like to also recognize many people this morning who are
learning to participate in democracy. I'm told there are over 850
students here from 50 states. (Applause.) Make sure the Texas students
behave well. (Laughter.) Your mothers are watching. (Laughter.) I
know there are buses outside waiting to take you to Capitol Hill. I'm
told -- Howard told me there's over 500 meetings scheduled with members
of the Senate and the House. That is good news. I'm sure you're going
to pass this message on to them: A free, prosperous and secure Israel
is in this nation's national interest. (Applause.)
AIPAC is doing important work. I hope you know that. In
Washington and beyond, AIPAC is calling attention to the great security
challenges of our time. You're educating Congress and the American
people on the growing dangers of proliferation. You've spoken out on
the threat posed by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. You've always
understood and warned against the evil ambition of terrorism and their
networks. In a dangerous new century, your work is more vital than
ever. I thank you for doing your part in the cause of freedom.
(Applause.)
Our nation, and the nation of Israel, have much in common. We're
both relatively young nations, born of struggle and sacrifice. We're
both founded by immigrants escaping religious persecution in other
lands. We have both built vibrant democracies, built on the rule of
law and market economies. And we're both countries founded on certain
basic beliefs: that God watches over the affairs of men, and values
every life. (Applause.)
These ties have made us natural allies, and these ties will never
be broken. (Applause.) In the past, however, there was one great
difference in the experience of our two nations: The United States,
through most of our history, has been protected by vast oceans to our
east and west, and blessed with friendly neighbors to our north and
south. Israel has faced a different situation as a small country in a
tough neighborhood. The Israeli people have always had enemies at
their borders and terrorists close at hand. Again and again, Israel
has defended itself with skill and heroism. And as a result of the
courage of the Israeli people, Israel has earned the respect of the
American people. (Applause.)
On September the 11th, 2001, Americans saw that we are no longer
protected by geography from the dangers of the world. We experienced
the horror of being attacked in our homeland, on our streets, and in
places of work. And from that experience came an even stronger
determination, a fierce determination to defeat terrorism and to
eliminate the threat it poses to free people everywhere. (Applause.)
Not all terrorist networks answer to the same orders and same
leaders, but all terrorists burn with the same hatred. They hate all
who reject their grim vision of tyranny. They hate people who love
freedom. They kill without mercy. They kill without shame. And they
count their victories in the death of the innocent.
We saw the nature of this enemy again in recent days when
terrorists in Iraq beheaded an American citizen, Nicholas Berg. The
message that accompanied the videotape of this brutal slaying promised
more such atrocities. Here's what the killer said, "We will send you
coffin after coffin, box after box, slaughtered in this way." The
faces of the terrorists were cloaked, but we have seen their kind
before.
Followers of the terrorist ideology executed an elderly man in a
wheelchair, Leon Klinghoffer, and pushed his body off the side of a
ship into the sea. They kidnapped the journalist, Daniel Pearl, and
cut his throat, because he was a Jew. This enemy has left blood on the
streets of Jakarta and Jerusalem, Casablanca and Riyadh, Mombasa and
Istanbul, Bali, Baghdad and Madrid. They have declared war on the
civilized world -- and war is what they got. (Applause.)
Freedom-loving people did not seek this conflict. It has come to
us by the choices of violent men, hateful men. See, we seek peace. We
long for peace. Israel longs for peace. America longs for peace.
Yet, there can be no peace without defending our security.
(Applause.) There is only one path to peace and safety. America will
use every resource we have to fight and defeat these enemies of
freedom. (Applause.)
The lesson of September the 11th is clear and must never be
forgotten. Emerging terrorist threats must be confronted before they
can reach our country and harm our people. Every terrorist is at war
with civilization, and every group or nation that aids them is equally
responsible for the murders that the terrorists commit. (Applause.)
So America has led a relentless global campaign against terrorists
and their supporters. We're chasing them down one by one in caves, and
in shadows where they try to hide. (Applause.) We have uncovered --
we have uncovered terrorist cells on several continents. We've
prevented a number of terrorist attacks. We've removed the Taliban
regime, which sheltered the plotters of September the 11th.
(Applause.) We have stopped shipments -- we have stopped shipments of
chemical precursors and nuclear-related -- weapons-related components
bound for states that sponsor terror. By speaking clearly, and by
meaning what we say, countries like Libya have gotten the message and
have renounced their weapons programs. (Applause.)
And for the sake of peace and security, we ended the regime of
Saddam Hussein. (Applause.) That regime cast a shadow, a dark shadow
of aggression over the Middle East for decades. They invaded both Iran
and Kuwait. The regime built and used weapons of mass destruction
against its neighbors, and its own people. The regime sponsored
terror; it paid rewards of up to $25,000 to the families of Palestinian
homicide bombers. That regime filled mass graves with innocent men,
innocent women, and innocent children. That regime defied the demands
of the free world, and America, for more than a decade. And America is
more secure, and the world is better off, because that regime is no
more. (Applause.)
America is on the offensive, and we will stay on the offensive
until the terrorists are stopped and our people are safe. (Applause.)
I will use every asset at our disposal to do our most important job,
which is to protect the American people. (Applause.) And that
includes the United States military. We have come to know the skill
and the courage of the men and women of the United States military.
(Applause.) They have fulfilled every mission their country has given
to them. They and their families have endured long deployments and
uncertainty. Our men and women in uniform have fought in mountain
passes and desert sands in the remotest part of the world. They've
lost brave friends and comrades, who will always be remembered and
honored by a grateful nation. (Applause.)
They have done all this to defend our country and to advance the
cause of freedom and peace. And their loved ones, and those who wear
our uniform, must know that America is very grateful to their service.
(Applause.)
The peace we seek depends on defeating the violent. Yet, we also
have a larger mission in the world. In the long-term, we must end
terrorist violence at its source by undermining the terrorist ideology
of hatred and fear. Terrorists find influence and recruits in
societies where bitterness and resentment are common, and hope and
opportunity are rare. The world's best hope for lasting security and
stability across the Middle East is the establishment of just and free
societies.
And so across that vital region, America is standing for the
expansion of human liberty. This historic task is not easy in a part
of the world that has known so much oppression and stagnation and
violence. It's hard work. Yet, we must be strong in our firm belief
that every human heart desires to be free. We must be strong in our
belief that free societies are hopeful societies and peaceful
societies. (Applause.)
We have made progress that few would have predicted or expected
just three years ago. In Afghanistan, our coalition is working with
President Karzai to help the people of Afghanistan build a modern,
peaceful and democratic government. In January, Afghans approved a new
constitution that protects the rights of all Afghan citizens, including
women. (Applause.) Through weeks of negotiation and compromise, they
agreed upon a fundamental law that respects tradition and establishes a
foundation of modern political rights, including free speech, due
process, and a vote for every citizen. We're making progress.
In Iraq, Saddam's brutal dictatorship is gone, and in its place an
Iraqi democracy is emerging. Iraqi leaders have signed a transitional
administrative law that will guarantee basic freedoms. Iraq now has an
independent judiciary, a free market, a new currency, more than 200
newspapers in circulation, and schools free of hateful propaganda.
(Applause.)
It's hard work in Iraq. Our efforts are approaching a crucial
moment. On June 30th, our coalition will transfer its authority to a
sovereign Iraqi government. With the assistance of the United Nations
and our coalition, Iraqi citizens are currently making important
decisions about the nature and scope of the interim government. In
time, Iraq will be a free and democratic nation, at the heart of the
Middle East. This will send a message, a powerful message, from
Damascus to Tehran, that democracy can bring hope to lives in every
culture. (Applause.) And this advance of freedom will bring greater
security to America and to the world. These are historic times, it's
an historic opportunity. (Applause.)
Yet, as June 30th approaches, the enemies of freedom grow even more
desperate to prevent a rise of democracy in Iraq. That's what you're
seeing on your TV screens: desperation by a hateful few, people who
cannot stand the thought of free societies in their midst. They're
targeting brave Iraqis who are leaning toward democracy, such as
Izzedine Salim, who was assassinated in Baghdad yesterday. They're
murdering Iraqi policemen who stand as symbols of order. They're
killing foreign aid workers who are helping to rebuild Iraq. They're
attacking our military. Their goal is to undermine the will of our
coalition and the will of America, and to drive us out before our
mission is complete. They're not going to succeed. They will not
shake the will of America. (Applause.)
My resolve is firm. (Applause.) The resolve of the American
people is solid. Our military is skilled, spirits are high. They are
determined to succeed. We understand the stakes are high for America
and for the world. We will not be intimidated by thugs and assassins.
We will win this essential important victory in the war on terror.
(Applause.)
This is an historic moment. The world watches for weakness in our
resolve. They will see no weakness. We will answer every challenge.
U.S. Army soldiers and Iraqi security forces are systematically
destroying the illegal militia in the south of Iraq. (Applause.)
Coalition forces are working with Iraqis in Fallujah to end control by
Saddam loyalists and foreign fighters. (Applause.) We're building up
Iraqi security forces so they can safeguard their own country. We're
flexible in our methods, but our goal is unchanging: Iraq will be
free, and Iraq will be a democratic nation. (Applause.)
Freedom is also at the heart of our approach to bringing peace
between Israel and the Palestinian people. The United States is
strongly committed, and I am strongly committed, to the security of
Israel as a vibrant Jewish state. (Applause.) Israel is a democracy
and a friend, and has every right to defend itself from terror.
(Applause.)
For the sake of peace, this country is committed to helping the
Palestinian people establish a democratic and viable state of their
own. (Applause.) Israel needs a truly responsible partner in
achieving peace. (Applause.) The Palestinian people deserve
democratic institutions and responsible leaders. (Applause.) Progress
towards this vision creates responsibilities for Israel, the
Palestinian people, and Arab nations. Before these two states --
before there can be two states, all parties must renounce violence and
fight terror. (Applause.)
Security is the foundation for peace. (Applause.) All parties
must embrace democracy and reform and take the necessary steps for
peace. The unfolding violence in the Gaza Strip is troubling and
underscores the need for all parties to seize every opportunity for
peace. I supported the plan announced by Prime Minister Sharon to
withdraw military installations and settlements from Gaza and parts of
the West Bank. (Applause.) As I said in my statement on April 14,
2004, the Prime Minister's plan is a bold, courageous step, that can
bring us closer to the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living
side-by-side in peace and security. (Applause.)
The Prime Minister's decision has given the Palestinian people and
the free world a chance to take bold steps of their own toward peace.
First, the Palestinian people must reject corrupt and failed leaders,
and insist on a leadership committed to reform and progress and peace.
(Applause.) Second, they must renounce terror and violence that
frustrate their aspirations and take so many innocent lives.
(Applause.) And, finally, by taking these steps, they will have an
opportunity, a fantastic opportunity to build a modern economy and
create the institutions and habits of liberty. The Palestinian people
deserve a better future. (Applause.) And that future -- and that
future can be achieved through democracy. (Applause.)
Many in this room have worked and waited a lifetime for peace in
the Holy Land. I hear that deep concern for peace. Our vision is a
Middle East where young Israelis and Palestinians can play and learn
and grow without living in the shadow of death. (Applause.) Our
vision is a Middle East where borders are crossed for purposes of trade
and commerce, not crossed for the purposes of murder and war.
(Applause.) This vision is within our grasp if we have the faith and
the courage and the resolve to achieve it. (Applause.)
Perhaps the deepest obstacle to peace is found in the hearts of men
and women. The Jewish people have seen, over the years and over the
centuries, that hate prepares the way for violence. The refusal to
expose and confront intolerance can lead to crimes beyond imagining.
So we have a duty to expose and confront anti-Semitism, wherever it is
found. (Applause.)
Some of you attended a very important event in Berlin last month,
the International Conference on Anti-Semitism. You understand that
anti-Semitism is not a problem of the past; the hatred of Jews did not
die in a Berlin bunker. In its cruder forms, it can be found in some
Arab media, and this government will continue to call upon Arab
governments to end libels and incitements. (Applause.) Such hatred
can also take subtler forms. The demonization of Israel, the most
extreme anti-Zionist rhetoric can be a flimsy cover for anti-Semitism,
and contribute to an atmosphere of fear in which synagogues are
desecrated, people are slandered, folks are threatened. I will
continue to call upon our friends in Europe to renounce and fight any
sign of anti-Semitism in their midst. (Applause.)
We are living through historic times. We are called to do
important work in the world. We will stand together against bigotry in
every land and every language. We will answer violent men with
patient, determined justice. We will expand human freedom and the
peace that freedom brings. And by our resolve, and by our courage, we
will prevail. (Applause.)
I want to thank you -- I want to thank you for your dedication to
the security of America and to the safety of Israel. I want to thank
you for your warm hospitality today. May God bless America. May God
bless Israel. Thank you for coming. Thank you all for your time.
Thank you all. (Applause.)