    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 15, 2008]
    [Pages 687-688]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem
    May 15, 2008

        Thank you all for coming. Never a man to shy away from a microphone.
    [Laughter] I didn't realize it got so cold here in Jerusalem in May.
    [Laughter] Yes, but thanks for coming.
        I first want to thank James Snyder and
    the museum of--folks for hosting this fantastic reception. Mr.
    President, thanks for joining us, and Mr. Prime
    Minister, I'm so honored that you all would take
    time to be here, as I am--members of your cabinet, members of the
    Knesset. We've got leaders from around the world who are here to share
    in this fantastic celebration. Laura and I really
    wanted to come by and say thanks to our fellow Americans for coming as
    well.
        So I'm driving in the limousine, waving at friendly faces, half of
    whom seem to be from California or--[laughter]. I hope you're having as
    much fun as we are. It's been a--it's been such a fantastic couple of
    days for us, and what a fitting way to end with our buddies from the
    United States of America. You know, Israel has got no closer ally than
    America, and one of the reasons why is because of the connections
    between our--citizens of the U.S. and the citizens of Israel.

    [[Page 688]]

        And so we're thrilled to be with you. We're also honored to be steps
    away from some of the oldest Biblical texts. I don't know if you've had
    a chance to go through the museum. I strongly urge you to do so--if they
    open it up for you like they did--[laughter]. But these documents tell
    the story of the righteous--of a righteous God and His relationship with
    an ancient people.
        There's no doubt in my mind that the patriarchs of ancient Israel
    and the pioneers of modern Israel would marvel at the achievements of
    this nation. I mean, if you really think about it, I doubt few of the
    prognosticators would have projected Israel to be what it is today: a
    modern, thriving democracy in the heart of the Middle East. It's been an
    amazing transformation of dry valleys to fertile lands. And the new
    technologies being nurtured here are a great testimony to the truest
    resource of the Israeli people, and that's the brainpower and ingenuity
    and drive.
        I gave a speech today in the Knesset. It was such an honor to stand
    in that hallowed hall. One of the things I wished I would have projected
    maybe more clearly was the fact that this is a land of courageous
    people, people who have had to withstand bombings and suiciders but
    never lost faith, people who have shown incredible resilience. And it's
    a nation worthy of our support and a nation worthy of our friendship.
        As I said in my speech, I'm--I truly believe that if we stay firm in
    our resolve, resist the temptation to give in to the terrorists, and
    believe in the transformative capacity of liberty, someday other nations
    in the region will share the blessings of democracy and liberty. Someday
    they'll know that they'll have governments that respond to the people.
    They'll build schools instead of bombs; that they'll not want a war with
    their neighbors, but want to live in peace. And that's the dream, and
    that's the hope. And I firmly believe it can come true.
        I do want to pay tribute to one brave soul, and that is Liviu
    Librescu. I don't know if you remember him, but he was the teacher at
    Virginia Tech. His folks live in Israel. I bring him up because it was a
    courageous act of selflessness--he blocked the doorway to his classroom
    with his body to allow his students to escape. And I think it's a
    fitting final statement here in Israel for me to make--to say that,
    isn't it amazing that a survivor of the Holocaust gave his life for
    others in the Virginia countryside? And I just want his family to know
    that we appreciate his courage and that his legacy lives on.
        And so thanks for coming. Thanks for honoring a great nation and a
    worthy friendship. I'm proud to be here on Israeli soil as the President
    of the United States of America. I'm proud to carry our banner of
    liberty around the world. And I'm proud to proclaim our deep desire for
    peace.
        Thanks for coming. God bless you. God bless Israel. And God bless
    America.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:40 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    James S. Snyder, director, the Israel Museum; and President Shimon Peres
    and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel.