Israel Speaks
Ever since the existence of the state of Israel, the U.S. has been -
it's most trusted friend and ally.
In this episode we will look at the relations between Israel and -
the U.S. in the aftermath of President Obama's visit.
In March 2013 Barack Obama, the U.S. President, made his -
first state visit to Israel.
In the first term of his presidency Obama didn't visit Israel. In some -
cases, he seemed to work against the interests of the Israeli government.
Nonetheless, President Obama was received in Israel with excitement -
especially because he continuously spoke about the nation of Israel -
in a warm and honorable manner.
We asked people in the Mahane Yehuda Market about their opinion -
on the relationship between Israel and the U.S.
- Do you think the relations between Israel and the U.S. are solid -
or is it just about the interests?
- When the State of Israel was established, the U.S. was the -
first one to support us and vote for our independence.
We have had good relations for decades.
I believe they'll continue to be so.
Of course there can always rise up an U.S. president who, like -
Pharaoh in ancient Egypt, wasn't aware of Joseph.
Hopefully that won't happen.
Do you trust Obama and the U.S.? - Yes, I have trusted all along.
- Do you trust the U.S. in the face of a real situation?
- Now I do, even though it didn't look so certain during -
Obama's first presidency term.
- I trust them more than I trust any other nation.
I hope the U.S. will remain as the strongest country in the world.
- Many say we don't have to worry: the U.S. will always be by our side.
- I don't believe we can say that about any other nation.
Dan Diker, a Jew who moved from the U.S. to Israel, is an expert -
on the U.S. - Israeli relations.
He is former Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress, -
a federation consisting of organizations worldwide that -
advocate on behalf of Jews.
Dan Diker is a well-known commentator on Israel's -
foreign and security policy.
In addition to their shared values, another factor that contributes to -
the closeness of their relationship is the similiar interests they have.
Since the Six-Day War the U.S. has also supported Israel financially.
Lately, the U.S. has annually given Israel military equipment -
worth a total of 2 billion euros.
The United State's recent economical difficulties have so far not had -
affect on the aid they give Israel.
Prior to his state visit the general opinion of the Israeli public was -
not very favourable towards Obama.
One reason is that he didn't visit Israel when he did a state visit -
to Egypt, their neighbour country.
Another reason for his unpopularity was a statement he made that -
Israel should return to its pre-1967 borders as a prerequisite for -
making peace with Palestine.
However, Obama's visit to Israel in March seemed to have caused a -
change in his popularity amongst the Israeli public.
- How did you like Obama's visit?
- I already respected him before but during his visit I and -
many other Jewish people really started to grow fond of him.
He could have stayed longer.
- Obama's visit energized Israel. Despite being on bad terms with -
Netanyahu he came to support the nation of Israel.
It was a very beneficial visit.
President Peres said that Obama has strongly supported Israel, -
both financially and militarically.
Obama came here to show Netanyahu his place.
He said to mind one's own matters. Surely the prime minister understood.
- I really enjoyed his speech. He was very charming.
He flattered us and it is always nice to hear that.
- He is a rock star. He charmed everyone and was very popular.
Of course it was nice to hear that a leading superpower and seemingly -
our best friend, has our back.
- Seemingly? - It's all just words and the visit was a nice show.
We'll see what really happens.
Bryan Jones, an American born christian, is a political reporter -
of the Israel Today news magazine.
Israel Today magazine, published by messianic Jews, is for -
christian readers worldwide.
Bryan has followed the development of the U.S - Israeli relations.
He believes there is an additional reason that has caused distrust -
among the Israelis towards Obama.
For four years, there has been much discussion about the relationship -
between President Obama and Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
During Obama's visit these leaders seemed to get along extremely well.
It is good to be in Israel again.
Certain religious issues also affect the U.S. - Israel relations.
The big number of evangelical christians clearly influences the -
way that Obama relates to Israel.
Bryan Jones aims to interpret the events of the Middle East also -
from a biblical point of view. He feels that the prosperity and -
blessing that the U.S. has could come to an end if the U.S. -
decides to pull away from Israel.
For decades, Israel has leaned on the U.S. for support security-wise.
Israel Today - magazine conducted a poll on what or who the nation -
of Israel really trusts in.
We also asked people at the Mahane Yehuda Market do they trust in -
the United States, the Israeli defense forces or God to help them.
- We believe in God and know that He guards us from above.
He watches over us. The army and our nation are His ambassadors.
When we get into trouble and difficulties we say: God, help me!
We believe in Him and hope for the best.
- Who protects us: the army, the U.S. or God?
- All three together, I think.
- Who protects Israel: the army, the U.S. or God?
- Apparantly all of them.
- Who protects Israel? the army, the U.S. or God?
- God of course, but together with the help of the army and the nation.
It is important for people to know that everything comes from above.
Christians say: If God doesn't watch over us, the watchmen guard in vain.
We need the army, but we have to know where our strength comes from.
Subtitles: Hanna Österlund