Presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama visited Israel and the West Bank on July 23, 2008.  During his visit he meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres (top photo) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (second photo). He also paid a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.

Senator Barack Obama opened a day of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Wednesday, sharing breakfast with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak before traveling to the West Bank to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Senator Barack Obama with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Mr. Obama, who shuttled between morning meetings at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Wearing a white yarmulke, he rekindled a flame and paused for a few moments of quiet reflection as he laid a wreath on a tomb that contains ashes from Nazi extermination camps.

“At a time of great peril and promise, war and strife, we are blessed to have such a powerful reminder of man’s potential for great evil, but also our capacity to rise from tragedy and remake our world,” Mr. Obama said after visiting the memorial.

Senator Barack Obama with Yad Vashem Chairman, Avner Shalez, at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

“Let our children come here, and know this history, so they can add their voices to proclaim “never again”. And may we remember those who perished, not only as victims but also as individuals who hoped and loved and dreamed like us, and who have become symbols of the human spirit.”

[…]

Here is video of Barack Obama’s remarks at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Mr. Obama received a warm reception from Israeli President Shimon Peres, who said his fondest wish was for a “great president of the United States. That is the greatest promise for us and the rest of the world.”

Senator Barack Obama with Israeli President Shimon Peres

As he strolled with Mr. Peres just before their meeting, Mr. Obama said: “I’m here on this trip to reaffirm the special relationship between Israel and the United States, my abiding commitment to Israel’s security and my hope that I can serve as an effective partner whether as U.S. senator or as president in bringing about a more lasting peace in the region.”

“You are a person who has forgotten more than I will ever know on these issues and so I look forward to a robust discussion, having an opportunity to get your insights and your wisdom,” he told Mr. Peres.

Source: Obama Meets Israeli and Palestinian Leaders

Photo credit:  Photos: 1, 9, 10 Israel Government Press Office (GPO); Photos 2-3 Palestinian Press Office (PPO), Photo 4 David Silverman/Getty Images Europe, Photos 5-8 Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images Europe

Here is an NBC News Today Show report on Barack Obama in Israel and the West Bank, July 23, 2008



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Video & Photos: Barack Obama in Israel and the West Bank 7-23-08