    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 16, 2008]
    [Pages 688-689]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks in a Discussion With Israeli Youth in Jerusalem
    May 16, 2008

        The President. Please sit down. First of all, Laura and I are honored that you'd join us. Thanks very much
    for sharing some

    [[Page 689]]

    thoughts with us. As you know, we're parents of young professional women. We're interested to
    know what's on your mind. And if you've got any questions of me, I'll be
    glad to answer them.
        What's on my mind is peace. I hope someday that everybody will be
    able to coexist and respect each other's religions and work together for
    harmony. And I believe it's possible. And I know it's going to happen
    when young people put a--get their minds together and say, ``Listen,
    let's make this work.''
        So I'm interested in your thoughts, and so is Laura. And we're pleased to be joined by Condoleezza.
        And perhaps you'd like to say something to begin with?
        Participant. Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, thank you so much for
    choosing to spend this time with us. This is an amazing opportunity, and
    I'm very honored and glad to be here. Congratulations, mazel tov for
    your daughter's wedding. [Laughter]
        I think this museum comes to show how unique this land and this
    region is. It's so rich with history, the Cradle of Civilization. While
    on the other hand, we see that Israel is such a new, vibrant country,
    only 60 years old. And we're still building our country; nothing is for
    certain here. And we--I, my friends, we want peace; we want to see the
    world like--live in peace, especially in this region. And I do hope--and
    I guarantee that myself as, hopefully, a future leader will do the best
    I can, the best of my abilities in order to make it happen.
        I think that it's for now. [Laughter]
        The President. Thank you. You want to share some thoughts?

    [At this point, another participant made brief remarks.]

        The President. Thanks.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:30 a.m. at the Bible Lands Museum
    Jerusalem. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary of State Condoleezza
    Rice.