Israel’s leaders extended congratulations to Sen. Barack Obama after he won the U.S. presidential election Tuesday (Nov. 4).
Said Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, “America has once again proved that it is the greatest democracy, which sets an example to all the other democracies in the world. Obama has proved to the world his abilities and leadership skills.” [1]
Israeli President Shimon Peres hailed Obama’s victory as an end to racism and a symbol of change. “I want to congratulate the newly-elected President: young, fresh, promising, representing a change and introducing change. The changes that I can mention – it is an opportunity to escape the present world crisis and enter into a new era of cooperation, of productive economy and of human solidarity. In a way, it is an end of racism. There is no longer any way that any white man can claim superiority, nor any black person feel discrimination. We are the same people, and this election is a great statement to that effect. For us, America is a great friend and a great hope…Nobody should look at whose side the President is on – he just has to be on the side of peace.” [2]
Israeli Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister Tzipi Livni also praised Obama: “This is a mark of merit for American democracy. During Barack Obama's recent visit to Israel, and especially during the tour we conducted together in the city of Sderot, the people of Israel were impressed by his commitment to the peace and security of Israel. Israel looks forward to continued close strategic cooperation with the new administration, the new president and the US Congress, in order to continue to strengthen the lasting special relationship between our two countries.” [3]
According to exit polls, 78 percent of American Jews voted for Obama. [4] American Jews have long been supporters of the U.S. Democratic Party, turning out 80 percent for Bill Clinton in 1992 and 78 percent for him in 1996. [5] In the two most recent presidential elections, 79 percent of Jewish voters cast ballots for Al Gore in 2000 and 74 percent for John Kerry in 2004. [6]
