NEW YORK—President Barack Obama spoke in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday morning as part of his administration’s effort to reach out to the Muslim world.
The event was held at Cairo University and co-hosted by the university and al-Azhar, a center for Islamic learning. Obama spoke on nuclear proliferation, violent extremism, and Israeli-Palestinian peace.
“So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity,” Obama said. “This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.”
Muslims and Jews alike welcomed the president’s call to open dialogue.
Members of the Islamic Research Council of al-Azhar issued the following statement: “The Members commend President Obama for his deep appreciation for the Islamic faith and the contributions of Islamic civilization over the centuries in shaping the world for the better, and for his assertion that America seeks greater engagement and a true partnership with the Muslim world based upon mutual respect.”
In his speech, Obama pointed out the destructive effect that anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial on Middle East peace. “Six million Jews were killed—more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today,” he said. “Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction—or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews—is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.”
American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris applauded Obama’s words but said that his committee is disappointed that Obama did not openly criticize Iran’s nuclear program.
“Iran’s theocratic regime is a world leader in supporting terrorism, threatening moderate Arab regimes, and orchestrating the chorus of extremists who deny Israel’s right to exist,” said Harris. “The U.S. has an obligation to more vigorously lead the international community in stopping the Iranian nuclear program.”
The event was held at Cairo University and co-hosted by the university and al-Azhar, a center for Islamic learning. Obama spoke on nuclear proliferation, violent extremism, and Israeli-Palestinian peace.
“So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity,” Obama said. “This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.”
Muslims and Jews alike welcomed the president’s call to open dialogue.
Members of the Islamic Research Council of al-Azhar issued the following statement: “The Members commend President Obama for his deep appreciation for the Islamic faith and the contributions of Islamic civilization over the centuries in shaping the world for the better, and for his assertion that America seeks greater engagement and a true partnership with the Muslim world based upon mutual respect.”
In his speech, Obama pointed out the destructive effect that anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial on Middle East peace. “Six million Jews were killed—more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today,” he said. “Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction—or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews—is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.”
American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris applauded Obama’s words but said that his committee is disappointed that Obama did not openly criticize Iran’s nuclear program.
“Iran’s theocratic regime is a world leader in supporting terrorism, threatening moderate Arab regimes, and orchestrating the chorus of extremists who deny Israel’s right to exist,” said Harris. “The U.S. has an obligation to more vigorously lead the international community in stopping the Iranian nuclear program.”
