Remarks of Senator Barack Obama Press Avail Sderot, Israel July 23, 2008 As prepared Today, I’ve had the honor of visiting with the brave citizens of Sderot. For seven years, they have endured constant threats to their security, and demonstrated uncommon courage simply by carrying on with their daily lives. I am here as an American – and as a friend of Israel – to say that we stand with the people of Sderot, and with all of the people of Israel. The Qassam rockets fired by Hamas deliberately and indiscriminately target civilians. This terror is intolerable. Israelis should not have to be endangered in their homes and schools. I am hopeful that the recent understanding to end the attacks will provide some relief. But America must always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself against those who threaten its people. To achieve true security, I am deeply committed to helping Israel achieve a lasting peace with Palestinians who are prepared to accept the State of Israel, renounce violence and terrorism, and abide by agreements. Israelis desire a secure peace in which both they and the Palestinians can fulfill their legitimate aspirations – a strong, secure state of Israel living alongside a viable, peaceful Palestinian state. We must support Palestinian leaders who share this vision, including the leaders I met with in Ramallah today. The threats to Israel’s security begin in Sderot, but they don’t end here. They include outrageo ...
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