Netanyahu’s moment, part 6

The video of Prime Minister Netanyahus’s speech to the joint session of Congress is below. The Prime Minister’s Office has posted the text of the speech here. Paul Mirengoff has posted an excellent summary and analysis in the adjacent post.

This was a historic speech. In the heart of his speech Netanyahu hit many of the themes we have hit here. He also anticipated and addressed the Obama administration’s criticism of his appearance before Congress. Netanyahu’s moving peroration drew on the history of the Jewish people, linking it to Israel and Israel to the United States. Quotable quote:

We are no longer scattered among the nations, powerless to defend ourselves. We restored our sovereignty in our ancient home. And the soldiers who defend our home have boundless courage. For the first time in 100 generations, we, the Jewish people, can defend ourselves.

This is why — this is why, as a prime minister of Israel, I can promise you one more thing: Even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand.

But I know that Israel does not stand alone. I know that America stands with Israel. I know that you stand with Israel. You stand with Israel, because you know that the story of Israel is not only the story of the Jewish people but of the human spirit that refuses again and again to succumb to history’s horrors.

Facing me right up there in the gallery, overlooking all of us in this (inaudible) chamber is the image of Moses. Moses led our people from slavery to the gates of the Promised Land.

And before the people of Israel entered the land of Israel, Moses gave us a message that has steeled our resolve for thousands of years. I leave you with his message today, (SPEAKING IN HEBREW), “Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them.”

My friends, may Israel and America always stand together, strong and resolute. May we neither fear nor dread the challenges ahead. May we face the future with confidence, strength and hope.

May God bless the state of Israel and may God bless the United States of America.

Via Times of Israel.

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