Summary: May 31, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, speaks about the extraordinary reception for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu when he addressed the U.S. Congress last week. “Democrats and Republicans joined as one to welcome the Israeli prime minister,” says Harris. “He received thirty standing ovations during his eloquent speech.” The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: In these politically charged times, there was an extraordinary scene in Congress last week. Democrats and Republicans joined as one to welcome the Israeli prime minister. He received thirty standing ovations during his eloquent speech. Here are a few excerpts: “Israel has no better friend than America. And America has no better friend than Israel. We stand together to defend democracy. We stand together to advance peace. We stand together to fight terrorism.... “In an unstable Middle East, Israel is the one anchor of stability. In a region of shifting alliances, Israel is America’s unwavering ally. “In a region where women are stoned, gays are hanged, Christians are persecuted, Israel stands out. It is different. “Of the 300 million Arabs in the Middle East and North Africa, only Israel’s [one million] Arab citizens enjoy real democratic rights.” Stirring words all. The U.S. and Israel: shared values, shared journey, shared goals. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC
