Welcome to the Forward’s coverage of former U.S. president Barack Obama and his relationship to the Jewish community.
Barack Obama
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Opinion Why Obama’s Speech Was Historic
Barack Obama stepped down from the podium a couple hours ago after delivering what my gut tells me was a historic speech. I have two reasons for thinking this is true, but take these comments as a quick, first reaction. More than any other American president who has spoken about Israel and the conflict, Obama…
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Fast Forward Barack Obama Appeals Directly to Israelis To Think of Palestinians, Push for Peace
President Barack Obama appealed directly on Thursday to the Israeli people to put themselves in the shoes of stateless Palestinians and recognise that Jewish settlement activity in occupied territory hurts prospects for peace. In a showcase speech in Jerusalem to Israeli university students, Obama coupled his plea with an acknowledgement of the Jewish state’s security…
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Opinion Barack’s a Hit With Israeli Audience
Barack Obama had young Israelis eating out of his hand, during his speech in Jerusalem, ticking all the boxes that the audience hoped, and throwing in a few good laughs. He reiterated his commitment to Israel’s security, spoke of the importance of the missile defense systems in the south to ensure that children can “sleep…
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Opinion Meeting Obama: Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon
Moshe Ya’alon was one of the first ministers that Obama met for more than a handshake and a brief chat, as he was part of the small party that accompanied him to the Iron Dome. Moments before they viewed the installation, Obama said: “We stand together because peace must come to the Holy Land,” which…
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The Schmooze #ObamaInIsrael Has Its Own Pinterest Page
Social media loves a good diplomatic visit. Pictures abound, attempts at speaking other languages often fail, and the agonizing possibility that something will go horribly wrong — like a car breaking down, perhaps? — makes for great third party commentary. All of you avidly following President Obama’s trip to Israel this week will be happy…
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Opinion Hamas’s Not-Too-Subtle Reminder to Obama
Israelis awoke this morning to hear that four Palestinian rockets were launched towards Israel from Gaza and two had slammed in to the town of Sderot, without causing injuries. After months of quiet on the border following Israel’s Gaza operation in November, the Gaza militants who launched the rockets clearly intended to send a strong…
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Opinion Trying to Put Detainees on Obama’s Agenda
Obama went to Ramallah and held a summit with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas today. The comments that the two men made afterwards were predictable enough – harsh criticism of Israeli settlement by Abbas along with Obama’s reiteration of his opposition to settlements; affirmation by Obama that he wants a Palestinian state along with warnings from…
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Opinion Ancient and Modern Lessons for Obama
Barack Obama’s first engagement today was a visit to the Israel Museum with an agenda that was, as the Forward’s Nathan Guttman has noted, laden with significance. So what did he actually see? He started in the Shrine of the Book, where he seemed genuinely fascinated by the Dead Sea Scrolls. Many of the documents…
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