me to solo the national anthem. good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the best attended a.j.c. global forum in our 110-year history. [applause] we are more than 2,700 people here tonight. we represent more than 70 countries. we have diplomats here tonight, and i'd like quickly to read the countries so that we all know who's here as an exception of friendship with a.j.c. we have diplomats from albania,

angola, argentina, armenia, australia, austria. aber za january. barbados, belgium, brazil, bulgaria. brunaldy. costa rica, cyprus. equatorial guinea. ethiopia, georgia, ghana. greece, hungary, israel and italy. kurdistan, lithuania. macedonia, mauricious and mexico -- [applause] let's hear it for micronesia. [applause] mongolia, morocco, paraguay, the

philippines, romania, serbia, slovaka. slovenia, south korea, spain, sri lanka, swaws land, sweden, in dad and tobago and -- inidad and to bago and uruguay. have i missed any countries? france? bonjour. i'm so sorry. the u.k. [applause] we also have here tonight the speaker of the parliament of albania, speaker, thank you for being here tonight. you honor us by your presence. [applause] in addition, we have hundreds of members of a.j.c.'s access young

leadership program. please stand up and be recognized. access, from the u.s., from israel, from all over. [applause] we have 130 students from american universities across the country. students, please stand up and be recognized. [applause] and though you heard their enthusiasm, this is a diplomatic first for us. we have representatives from the consulates mexican across the united states. [applause]

and they are joined by our mexican-american friends and partners and leaders of the mexican jewish community who came here, please stand up. [applause] the president of crete, the umbrella french jewish body recently elected could not be here this evening but sends a very warm letter to a.j.c. and asked to be remembered to everyone. so we thank you. and the last thing i want to point -- say before asking you to turn your attention to the video is a reminder -- you've heard it before, you'll hear it again. we are a 501-c-3 organization so nothing we say or do should be interpreted in any way, shape,

or form as endorsement or opposition to candidates but thank you all for being here tonight. you honor us by your presence. please have a look at the screen. ♪ >> danny bergman is an inspiration. >> a role model. a leader. >> a paradigm of a good citizen. a magnificent jew who really gets what jude schism all about, which is to make the world a better place. >> if there were a nobel prize for -- dan bergman one the -- would be the first recipients. >> there's something very special about stan. first of all, he has genuine compassion. he cares about the people with whom we works, he cares about the world. he cares about the mission of a.j.c. he cares about the jewish

people. >> he's on a unique mission. it's a journey of home, a journey of possibility. it's a journey of inclusion. he inspires people to be more than they thought was ever possible for them to be and that, i think, is the gift of stan bergman. >> he cares about human beings, about the state of israel -- israel, about the future of the jewish people and everything that he does is about creating a better world. >> to understand dan and to understand his legacy, one has to understand where stan comes from. >> stan is the son of german jewish parents who had the foresight to leave germany in the 1930's, bringing both sets of their parents along. they found themselves in south africa. starting a new life with nothing, stan's parents worked hard to business, support their two sons -- support their two sons as well as four elderly

parents. not wanting to bring children in apartheid south africa, stan and i moved to the united states as soon as we graduated college. >> we are so grateful to have stanley as a role model, someone who has shown us how to do such meaningful, important, impactful work with respect, with vision, and with passion. >> his parents would be proud of their stanley. i'm sure on this special day, they are looking down with great pride. >> he has always supported and believed in me, guiding and mentoring me to prove myself. >> everything he's done in his life, he has always appreciated and accredited those who have helped him along the way. and all his success and the success of the organizations and people with whom he has worked have been the result of teamwork with other people. >> stanley is a very decisive person, likes to act quickly.

lane -- ifn the fast i'm driving in the fast lane, stanley is buzzing overhead, urging everyone to move on. ♪ bergman is a cosmopolitan leader of the cosmopolitan organization in a cosmopolitan age, and i think that's what makes him so perfect. >> i think he feels that the ajc is a means by which he can give voice to his own desires to repair the world. >> he is about as effective a lay leader as i have ever met in my life. >> he embodies the synergy of the deeply rooted commitment to the jewish people. >> an ongoing, energetic quest to bring people of different backgrounds together for the betterment of everybody. >> it has been for me a great pleasure to get to know stan. he has been a worthy president. indeed, i think he has promoted

the cause of all of us, of israel, of america, and of south africa. >> our most memorable visit was the meeting with pope francis. >> we all come here with a deep feeling that you are our true friend. to pope francis, he's very passionate words about what has been achieved in catholic-jewish relations for half a century -- that left an indelible impact on all of us who were grateful to be witnesses to it. ♪ -- bergey bergmann is a man is a very successful businessman who has built a ampany from nowhere to being $10.5 billion or $11 billion a s and adustry -- busines leader in this industry and has still engaged in effective philanthropic thry --

philanthropy on a regular basis. >> my dad likes to talk about the fourth key to success, which is people. >> one of stanley's great leadership traits is his ability to build a team, to collect talent that is very diverse, different skill sets that are all bound together by a value system. ♪ "what will our great great grandchildren" -- maybe his great-grandchildren, i ain't going to have any. "but what will our next generation say about us?" this is the obligation we have to the generation that comes after us. >> my dad has been such a strong believer in the work that agency does and instilled in all of us -- that ajc does and instilled in all of us the work of standing up for democracy, human rights. in my ajc today,

estimation, is at its greatest height. it's never been more together, more effective, more respected worldwide. >> he would be a hard person to follow. i'm glad i preceded him. [applause] >> a very inappropriate -- appropriate expression in french -- i want to apologize to the represents of: -- representatives of poland and south sudan for not having included you in the original list of diplomats here. we welcome you here. [applause] david: we pay tribute to stand because tomorrow will be his last official day -- to stan

because tomorrow will be his last official day as president of this organization. there is no high her verbally -- no hyperbole in this film. if anything, it is an understatement. we have been blessed to have stan's inspiring leadership. ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the -- please join me in welcoming stan bergman onstage as we give him a gift and say thank you. [applause] [applause] stan: wow, david, everyone, thank you.

i don't know what to say. embarrassing. i'm speechless, david. it doesn't happen very often. thank you for that moving tribute. , to me, when i'm out of words, i think of president as i was sitting in the back there, i chatted to myself quotes from the late president. "after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more to climb." and the work of ajc has been tremendous the last 110 years, but there is more to go. and thank you all for being here tonight. [applause]

stan: when president obama appointed ambassador susan rice is not additional -- his national security secretary advisor just three years ago, ajc praised the president's inspired choice. andng consulted with her provided platforms for her in the course of her 4 1/2 years as america's ambassador to the united nations amalie -- natio a s, we hail the ambassador's powerful defense of our nation's vital security and humanitarian interests and the noble ideals of u.n. charter. and we pointed out that she had, on so many occasions, publicly and privately, stood up for israel whenever needed, which, in united nations, regrettably, is too often. just a month after her appointment, david harris had conferred on ambassador rice

ajc's distinguished public service award at a special luncheon in the u.n. delegations lounge. in our presentation, we hailed ambassador rice as a staunch defender of human dignity and democratic values. than aears ago and more few foreign-policy crises later, our respect and affection for ambassador susan rice are at the same high level and really have grown. ajc's steadfast commitment to american global leadership, to the protection of human dignity, to the unique link between united states and , inel, and to confronting president obama's words, "the of anti-semitism."

at a time when america's engagement and leadership in world affairs is being tested globe,stioned across the as well as on the campaign trail here in the united states, it is indeed an honor for ajc to be addressed this evening by principal architect of our nation's foreign policy. privilege,is my great privilege and pleasure to introduce the united states national security advisor, ambassador susan rice. [applause]

susan: good evening, everyone. stan, thank you so much for that incredibly generous introduction and for your extraordinary leadership of ajc. can we give stan yet another round of applause? [applause] susan: it's not easy being president. i'm reminded of the time shortly after the establishment of israel, when president truman and president weitzman were comparing their respective burdens of their office. truman said, "mr. president, you're lucky to have such a little country. how'd you like to be the president of 140 million people," which was then the population of the u.s.

"yes, but howed, would you like to be the president of one million presidents?" [laughter] [applause] susan: so, muzzle tov -- mazel t ov to ajc's incoming president, schapiroj l -- john oh, and good luck. hn shapiro, and good luck. i also want to pay my respects to david harris, a deeply thoughtful and tenacious advocate, that so and sounding board, and a true friend who has stood by me during some -- an excellent sounding board, and a true friend who has stood by me during some difficult moments. it's great to be here with high representative federica mogherini of the european union

and foreign secretary claudia ruiz massieu of mexico. [applause] susan: as stan mentioned, the last time i spoke to ajc was at the women's leadership board luncheon in new york, may, 2013. i was finishing up at the u.n. as our ambassador. in those days, i spent a good deal of time at ajc's headquarters ont 56th street. i had the privilege to join you several times. and that that lunch, i was deeply moved to receive ajc's distinguished service award in recognition of the obama administration costs staunch support -- obama administration's staunch support for israel. me for- david thanked standing tall, which i'm pretty sure he meant metaphorically. [laughter]

>susan: so, being here feels a little bit like being with family. [speaking yiddish] [applause] susan: now, i don't know how many people know this, but i grew up in shepherd park, a neighborhood in washington, d.c., which was then a predominantly jewish neighborhood, not very far from here. i watched worshipers walking to synagogue every week. ar house had a misuse of -- mezuzah on the doorway. i attended many a seder. we told the story of a people liberated from bondage. at a time when bat mitzvahs were still rare, i went to more than most girls at the national

cathedral school. [laughter] life, i have been inspired by the deep morality of the jewish faith, by the centricity and the urgency of the command in deuteronomy, shallstice, justice, ye pursue." [applause] for 110 years now, ajc has answered that call. you have been america's conscience, fighting for civil rights, reaching out to other faith communities, comforting .he stranger new to our shores more and more, as we recognize tonight, you have become the world's conscience as well, from battling apartheid in stan's native south africa to aiding

refugees in europe. i have been truly fortunate, as i have said, to work closely with you at the u.n. and now as the president's national security advisor. i echo the assessment of my dear friend, madeleine albright, who remainsd i quote, "ajc indispensable. no one understands more clearly the need for vigilance and the danger of silence." so, on behalf of president obama, thank you for more than a century of doing the sacred work olam, of building a better world for us all. stan, where a person like it would be the biggest mensch in the world. [applause] like ajc were a person

stan, it would be the biggest mensch in the world. next week is the festival of some old -- of sabbaoth. they will read from the book of ruth as ruth pledges herself to her mother-in-law and the nation of israel, "wherever you go, i will go. wherever you stay, i will stay. your people will be my people, and your god, my god." that profound expression of family and faith, that joining together of faiths is the spirit animating the relationship between the people of the united states and the people of israel. it's an ironclad bond. it's a solemn promise that endures. generation."ion to [applause]

ever since president , just recognized israel 11 minutes after it declared independence -- that doesn't mean we always agree on every issue. like all of us, i'm sure the biblical ruth sometimes did not see eye to eye with her in laws. [laughter] susan: but, as president obama told the people of israel when he visited jerusalem, "so long as there is a united states of america, you are not alone." [applause] susan: for those of us who care deeply about israel, this is a time of some concern and sometimes of sorrow. i know our hearts ache for the victims of recent violence,

including ezra schwartz, an american yeshiva student and a veteran and vanderbilt student, whose tragic losses we mourn deeply. digsknow this, when hamas tunnels so they can kidnap and kill israelis, israel is not alone. when one country is singled out time and time again on the floor of the united nations, israel is not alone. [applause] when angry voices attacked israel's right -- attack israel's right to exist, israel is not alone. [applause] token,and, by the same when palestinians are attacked by mobs shouting "death to arab

s" and palestinian homes or mosques and churches are vandalized, the palestinian people are not alone. [applause] susan: president obama is deeply and fiercely devoted to israel and to the well-being of the jewish people. i know it because i see it every day. i watched him as he slipped a folded prayer into the cracks of the western wall. i stood with him as we ran our hands over the charred remnants of rockets. president obama has met with prime minister netanyahu 16 times, more than almost any other leader. last december, president obama hosted president rivlin as he lit chanukah candles at the white house, the first time an

israeli president has done so at the white house. just a few months ago, vice president biden visited israel again for a series of high-level meetings, which prime minister netanyahu rightly called "proof that our relationship is strong in all areas." our commitment to israel, as always, transcends partisanship. when israel was barraged by rocket fire in 2014, the vote in the house of representatives to support israel was unanimous. the vote in the senate was unanimous. now, that doesn't happen very much these days. [laughter] susan: but as the members of congress here tonight could tell you, israel's security is not a democratic interest or a republican interest. it's an american interest. [applause]

so, when president obama calls america's commitment to israel's that'sy "unshakable," not talk. it's the nearly $24 billion the united states has provided since president obama took office to help israel maintain its qualitative military edge. it's the f-35's israel will receive later this year, the only nation in the middle east with this advanced aircraft. it's the billions of dollars we are investing jointly in developing and procuring iron dome and other missile-defense technologies. when hamas was raining down 100 rockets a day on israel, those systems saved untold lives. so, we are doing even more. a few weeks ago, israel successfully tested iron dome aboard ships. as we speak, israel and our

department of defense are developing anti-tunneling technology, the so-called underground -- "underground iron dome." [applause] so, israel's enemies are on notice. if you come at israel by land, by sea, by air, or even under the earth, you will lose. [applause] the security cooperation between the united states and israel does not stop there. just ask israel's past two defense ministers, who have each raised the closeness -- praised the closeness of our military ties. our special forces training together. drillr forces and navies together. our american

national guard is traveling to israel for a joint exercise. as the person who briefs the president every day on the threats to be faced around the world, including in the middle east, i can attest that our intelligence cooperation is at an all-time high. [applause] president obama is committed to ensuring israel's security, not just to the remainder of his term in office, but for years to come. israel currently receives more than half of the united states' entire foreign military assistance budget. [applause] and we are discussing the new agreement with israel that would guide our military assistance until the year 2029. even in these days of

belt-tightening, we are prepared to sign the single-largest military assistance package with any country in american history. [applause] it would constitute a significant increase in support and provide a israel -- provide israel the funding to update much of its fighter aircraft fleet, substantially enhance the mobility of its ground forces, and continue to strengthen its missile-defense capabilities. that is what we mean when we say "israel is not alone." [applause] this brings me to another critical piece of our support for israel's long-term security -- the iran deal. we had a vigorous debate over

this agreement. nuclear physicists, military officials, experts, and over 100 countries ultimately supported it. others, including many in israel, opposed it. but whether or not you supported this deal, the results are undeniable. 2/3 of -- has dismantled its installed centrifuges. [applause] 98% ofve shipped out their and reached uranium stockpile -- their enriched uranium stockpile out of their country, enough for about 10 new year bonds -- 10 nuclear bombs. the plutonium reactor core is now filled with concrete, never .o be used again

before this deal, iran's breakout time to gain enough material to build a nuclear weapon was two months to three months. today, it would take about a year. and if they cheat, we will know. deal, we -- with this have closed off every possible path to building a nuclear weapon, every single one, and subjected a run to the most comprehensive nuclear -- subjected iran to the most conference of nuclear regime ever implement it. yet, we are under no illusions. as we've said all along, our guiding principle is distressed verify.-- distrust and as the president has repeatedly emphasized, this deal was never intended to resolve all of our different this -- our differences with iran. that's why nonnuclear sanctions on iran remain in place. hundreds of iran-linked firms

and individuals remain sanctioned on nonnuclear ground. we have all the authority we need to combat iran's destabilizing activities, and we are. that includes new sanction designations that target iran's ballistic missile program and support for terrorism. we will not let iran off the hook. [applause] our commitment to israel's security is also why we continue to urge israelis and palestinians to resolve what president rivlin calls "the tragedy that envelops us all." as president obama has said, "peace is necessary, just, and possible." indeed, the only path to sustainable security for israel and to dignity and

self-determination for the palestinians is two states for two peoples, living side-by-side in peace and security. [applause] that is why, as we mark the 49th anniversary this week of the six-day war, we continue to strongly oppose israeli settlement activity. just like every administration since 1967, republican and democratic. just as we oppose counterproductive palestinian actions and strongly condemn incitement and violence. settlement activity corrodes the prospects for two states. it moves us towards a one-state reality. israel's future as a jewish, democratic state is at stake.

insist that has just returned from a gathering of foreign ministers in paris, where the united states and all other participants underscored that a negotiated two-state solution is the only way to achieve an enduring peace. a solution cannot be imposed on the parties. [applause] but we continue to urge them to undertake meaningful actions on the ground that are consistent with their rhetorical commitment to two states. and gaza,n -- children who are just like yours and mine deserve a future that is not consumed by this conflict. as my cherished friend and israel's national treasurer

shimon peres says, "there are two things in life you cannot achieve unless you close your eyes a little bit -- love and peace." so, we will continue as the psal m says to "speak peace and pursue it." at the same time, we will stand up not just for israel's security, but for israel's very legitimacy. i want to be very clear. no country is immune from criticism. no country should be immune from criticism. the united states certainly isn't. but when one nation is targeted relentlessly, obsessively, bitterly, as israel is time and again, that is just wrong. it is ugly. [applause]

it is bullying in the guise of diplomacy, and it has to stop. [applause] 1/2 years at the united nations, i had the privilege of doing battle every day to defend israel from a drumbeat of hostility. i was proud to lead that fight. the united states fought tooth and nail against the deeply flawed goldstone report. we vigorously opposed the human rights' council's unbalanced and counterproductive focus on israel. when the palestinians tried to short-circuit the path to statehood, president obama stood before the general assembly and said, "peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the united nations. ultimately, it is the israelis and the palestinians who must live side-by-side."

and when the security council pushed a divisive resolution targeting settlements, even as the united states was pursuing a more constructive path forward, at president obama's direction, i raised my hand and cast the first and only veto of this administration. power,essor, ambassador continues to show that israel has no better friend at the united nations than the united states. [applause] including by pushing to integrate israel more fully into the international system. when israel's adversaries seek to isolate and boycott israel economically, we forcefully combat these efforts. we strengthen our economic ties more than ever.

the united states stands firmly against these attempts to delegitimize israel. [applause] and when iran holds an abhorrent holocaust cartoon contest, when violence and vile words lead jews to take down europe, when more than half of american college students say they have witnessed or experienced anti-summit is an on-campus, we must call out and confront that -- mi -- anti-semitism on campus, we must call out and confront that ancient hatred for what it is -- an absolute outrage. [applause] as president obama said earlier this year when he became the first sitting american president

to speak at the israeli embassy, "an attack on any faith is an attack on all faiths. we are all jews." [applause] and that is why we applaud and work closely with groups like ajc. your mayors united against anti-semitism advertisement in today's "wall street journal" made a powerful statement against hate. that's why, last year, the united states helped organize the first ever united nations general assembly meeting on anti-semitism. that's why we have appointed a special envoy to monitor anti-semitism, ira foreman, and are urging other countries to appoint their own. we won't let up.

the ugly hatred has to end. [applause] that is our records. these are our principles. this is president obama's steadfast commitment. [applause] for me, the warmth and strength of his relationship between the united states -- of this relationship between united states and israel will always be rooted in my very first trip to israel. i was 14 years old. my beloved late father was on the board of twa. some of you may remember that once great airline. and he took me and my younger brother to israel. we arrived on one of the first ever flights from egypt to

israel. it was just after the camp david accords were signed. and on that trip, without our ours in sorrow -- we bowed heads in sorrow, we walked in the old city, climbed, floated in the dead sea, and picked fr uit at a kibbutz. i learned in my heart the words of the -- like so many americans who visited israel, those memories are etched in my soul. there's another, more recent memory that i will also never forget. it's actually a highlight in my time in this current job. it took place a few years ago, when i had the chance to play basketball on the white house court with some young israelis and palestinians. they are a group you may know

called the peace players, and they use sports to bridge communities. we were out on the south lawn, not far from where -- made peace and where rabin and arafat shook hands. everyone was wearing shorts and t-shirts, boys and girls, israelis and palestinians, observant and less observant, and we played. israelis and palestinians on the same coed team, sweating, bumping each other, going for the ball, hustling across the lines of the court, as if they had never been divided by lines on a map. they were very good players, by the way. much better than us, though that is not saying a great deal. but on that basketball court, i saw what is possible. i saw what the future might

hold, if only we have the courage to reach for it. days. these are difficult at times like these, it is easy to get into doubt and cynicism -- to give into doubt and cynicism and despair. it's easy to be overcome by fear, to turn inward and to turn against one another. but as those young people remind as the anthem we will sing later reminds us, even in our darkest moments, there is hope. hope for peace. hope for progress. hope for justice. matter how distant these goals may seem, we can never forget the truth of those magnificent words, "if you will

it, it is no dream." so, with god's blessing and god's help, let us keep willing it. let us keep working for it. let us keep mending our broken world, together. thank you very, very much. [applause] >> ajc's institute for latina irs astino american affa for 10 years build bridges between the latino and jewish community. it has strengthened ties between the united states, latin america, spain, portugal, and israel, and it has ensure the

well-being of -- >> they bring together four constituencies, american jews, latin american jews, u.s. latinos and latin americans. those come-- four of together to find out how we can connect, build a stronger bridge, achieve a week -- connection in the western hemisphere. >> the mandate rings true. we have been able to build connections among the many spheres of the latino universe, domestic, hemispheric, and global, and to build bridges amongst these constituencies in israel. >> i think its best and we approach reducing our barriers together. they have done a terrific job of facilitating the dialogue, and i think we are better for it. >> in my one week that i was in

israel, through progress interchange, i learned more than i did in 20 years, and it gave me a whole new understanding of the challenges and intensities that are happening in israel. -- complexities that are happening in israel. haso, over the years, dls done a terrific job in fasting the relationship between spain, the united states -- in fostering the relationship between spain, the united states, latin america, and israel. >> when there was the situation in venezuela, a few days passed. i was part of the delegation traveling to caracas. in thewith people government. provides anersary

unparalleled opportunity to celebrate our key accomplishments. among them, helping create the latino jewish congressional caucus, sponsoring landmark studies, and ponder -- and pioneering outreach initiatives, expanding project interchange for hundreds of latino american leaders, and leading delegations of latinos, u.s. latinos, and jews to latin america. >> we live in a very challenging world today. a lot of threats -- they affect not only israel, but all of the jewish people. and i think the success of ajc filled a mantle. >> ajc gives me a chance and opportunity to be part of this mission to keep safe are people. that's the mission of ajc. i'm happy to be part of it. >> i think the sky is the limit. i think the opportunities are

greater than ever. as the latino community grows, as our ties between jews and latinos grow even closer, i think there will be even more chances for us to do this great work. >> we invite you to embrace our mission. [applause] >> good evening, and thank you, ambassador rice, for your important and moving remarks. it has once again been ajc's great honor to host you. i'm the incoming chair of the international relations commission. it is my great honor to introduce our next speaker this evening, secretary of foreign affairs of mexico clottey claudia ruiz--

massieu. let me describe the unprecedented participation she has inspired. secretary has invited all 50 mexican consuls from around the united states -- the secretary has invited all 50 mexican consuls from around the united states together with us at the ajc global forum, and they have been with us since yesterday. we are also joined by delegations of mexican-americans and mexican jewish leaders, all close friends of ajc. one more time, i would like to ask all three groups, the mexican diplomats, mexican jewish leaders, mexican-american partners, as well as israel's ambassador to mexico to please rise and be recognized. [applause]

kim: it is this mexican-u.s.-israeli triangle that ajc celebrated in mexico city. last november -- last november. we mark the 10th anniversary of our own belfer institute for latino and letting -- latin america with a gala dinner for our partners. tonight, we recognize the past, but we are focused on the future, and our message is loud and clear. we value the relationship between mexico, the united states, and israel. we salute the hard work and contributions of mexican-americans in this country. [applause]

and we intend to help build steeper ties and stronger links between our communities. the foreign secretary embodies these shared values and commitments, and we are thrilled and honored that she has made a special trip from mexico city to join us here this evening. please join me in welcoming our friend, secretary ruiz massieu. [applause] claudia: thank you, thank you, kim, for your kind introduction.

it is a true privilege to be here today, and i really want to thank the ajc for its hospitality and its kind invitation. stanley, david, thank you for having me here tonight. and i would also like to thank, cially, the mexican jewish community delegation that that travelede, from mexico. thank you very much for your support here and at home. honored toularly share this forum with two very distinguished, intelligent, and tough women. national security advisor susan rice and the high representative of the european union for foreign affairs and security policy federica mogherini.

[applause] a, you are truly global leaders. your work is widely recognized. you are living proof of how every country and every society grows stronger when women get empowered and have access to positions of influence. applause]d friends,dear ajc just a few months ago, we met in mexico city. we were there to celebrate the first decade of the bill for -- the belfer institute. here we meet again. on that occasion, we talked about how this would be a great opportunity for us as mexicans to share with you the many

things and projects we have together and the many things we have accomplished together. thank you again for having us everyone that we are friends with whom we share values and interests. you know, friendship is a gift that you cannot promise with words, but that you demonstrate with action. and i am proud to say that the mexican and the jewish people's have -- people have forged an enduring friendship waste on -- friendship based on mutual prosperity and times of need. between 1939 and 1942, our consul in paris was one of the few diplomats who, facing tremendous personal risks, sheltered and issued humanitarian visas for hundreds of jews who were wanted by the gestapo. thanks to his efforts, they

found safe haven in mexico and became a part of our national family. [applause] but our common story begins much earlier. for the first jews who arrived in mexico came in 1519 with the spaniards. and ever since, particularly in the 19 century and 20th century -- 19th century and 20th century, different waves of immigrants have enriched mexico's cultural landscape. let me tell you, this has been no exception. hundreds of chileans, argentinians, and other people from south america found refuge in our country when military juntas ruled in many capitals in the region. mexico also received thousands of spaniards fleeing from

france's fascist regime. this open your system is something we have in common -- open door system is something we have in common with the united states. in the 21st century, thousands of people of different nationalities, japanese, armenian, lebanese, chinese, and many others, arrived to mexican ports, just like they arrived to ellis island in the 19th century, reaching a land of peace where they could prosper with their families. this position cemented solidarity, as shown in 1985, when the most dreadful earthquake hit mexico city. in those days, many lives were alliesecause friends and from all over the world, such as israel, were steadfast in sending humanitarian missions and aid. mere examples are not

tocdotes, but serve as a -- build a better future together. part of our shared future is being built right here in the united states, home to both the largest jewish and mexican diasporas in the world. [applause] states is the land of the free and the home of the brave, but it is also the land of the pioneers and the home of the immigrants. [applause] like any other neighbors, we have had to learn to work together, understand each other better, and respect each other more. that a permanent journey often poses challenges, but also one in which our common values and shared interests have given

us the strength to overcome fear and suspicion. in the 19th century, the relation with our northern neighbor was so full of suspicion that someone coined the phrase, "oh, poor mexico, so far from god and so close to the united states." incidentally, a jewish friend once told me he would phrase it rael,r differently, "oh, is so close to god, but so far from the united states." [laughter] well, those days are so long gone that we can joke about it now. today, our border with the a source ofs is prosperity for both our countries. [applause] data, youook at the reached the conclusion that you will not hear often these days,

so i will say it here, loud and clear, because it is important. the united states benefits greatly from the economic relation with mexico. [applause] and the american people benefit immensely from the presence of mexicans in this country. [applause] and this is natural, because we are allies and we are friends. we live in a world where no country can face alone the major economic challenges of the 21st century. competition is fierce, so the region that proves to be more competitive will trade more goods and export more services. it will attract more investment and create more jobs.

convincedy we are that one of the best ways for the united states to maintain and increase its global competitiveness is to ,onsolidate and expand trade investment, cooperation, and integrated chains of value with mexico. [applause] mexico's network of 12 free-trade agreements with 46 countries worldwide means that u .s. companies manufacturing in mexico have preferential access to 60% of the world's markets. also, in recent years, due to an increase in productivity, manufacturing costs in mexico have dropped below those of china. the naked truth is that, today,

over six million u.s. jobs depend on the commercial relation with mexico. that is more than the entire population of norway. [applause] so, allow me to debunk one of the greatest myths. we do not steal jobs from the united states. [cheers and applause] on the contrary, we are vital for millions of women and men providing for their families on this side of the border. as production chains continue to integrate, we are witnessing the --rgence of the new paradigm mexico and the united states do

not just trade amongst themselves. frombuild things together, automobiles that cross eight times our borders in the process n toeduction -- productio smart phones, computers, beers, to state-of-the-art learjets. youally, by buying mexican are helping the u.s. economy. on average, 40% of the content in mexican exports is made in the united states. that's right. you spend in $1 mexican products supports u.s. jobs. [applause] and, just as our stores are filled with american products, you will only see more mexican products in your local stores. by 2018, the united states will

import more from mexico than from any other country, so that made in mexico will oust in china. [applause] this is remarkable, but not surprising, if you consider that every minute of every hour of every day, mexico and the united states trade over $1 million. to give you an idea of the importance of our commercial relation, in 2014, we reached a historic record of $534 billion. 3.1 timesxico exports more to the united states than brazil, russia, india, and south africa combined. american consumers value and rely on the quality and taste of

our products. u.s. economyhe also benefits from our already vast and growing mexican internal market. mexican9% of the population is in the middle class. this represents about 44 million people more -- people, more than the total population of canada. and, believe me, this is good for the united states. exports from the u.s. to mexico are larger than those to china and japan together. parity too brings this great nation as we invest. today, mexican investment in the united states totals $17.6 billion and has grown over 35% people were most definitely

not the problem. we are part of the solution. the president of mexican investment products, and services is larger than most people imagine, spanning all sectors. i know everyone here would expect mexico's mission foods to be go world's largest were maker. the hamburger irregularly eat may be more mexican than you may think. united states -- the united states is the main destination food.w mexican agri from phase one when the cattle is raised until the beef arrives at your table, he crosses the border between four and five

times. probably, you have been eating products from a mexican global country -- company and one of the leading suppliers in the united states, soon to have kosher certification. now -- which might well be made by the entire largest secondker, mexico is the biggest global exporter of this product, and do not forget the avocado. guess what -- we were the first international exporter of our cause. -- avocados. year's super this with 39day, a record

million pounds of avocados, avocados, wereon consumed in the u.s. probably in guacamole. now, relax and read "the new york times" or go shopping to ksx 5th avenue, i cut -- sa fifth avenue, heavily supported by mexican investment. do not be surprised if your house is filled with mexican therials, because femex is first maker of cement and concrete. our cement is building two of the most innovative skyscrapers in the united states, the salesforce tower, which will become the tallest building in san francisco, and the panorama tower in miami, which will be the tallest residential

structure on the east coast outside of new york city. mexico ranks within the top 10 worldwide industries in factors such as automotive's, electronics, precision manufacturing, telecoms, airspace, chemicals, renewable energy, medical devices, metal components, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. mexico contributes to strengthen these sectors for the benefit of our closest and most important outline, the unit -- a lly, united takes. at this point, please give me a few seconds to catch my breath, because as you can see, contributions of mexico to the world and particularly to the united states are not only huge, they are talmudic.

but most importantly, and to the dismay of those who prey on this information and fear for n, the mexican people are and always have been a positive presence and force for good in the united states. [applause] and this is not an opinion. it is a fact. the population of mexican origin in the united states which is 35.5 a community of about million people, generates 8% of the u.s. gdp.

and immigrants of mexican background own 500,000 companies, one out of every 25 in the whole country. e mexico-united states relationship is strong because it is a profession of their people. her area is home to a binational community of over 14 million people in 10 states. contrary to what has been irresponsibly repeated lately, immigrants contribute with their honest and hard work to these countries. billion perout $240 year, pay $90 billion in taxes, $5 billionly about

in public services. 2012, the migration rate between our two countries reached next zero and is fast becoming negative. those mexican immigrants who are still arriving to the united states are increasingly were educated, more skilled, and more qualified. of thefuture viability united states as an economic dominant power in the 21st century is therefore linked to the success of its immigrant population. andto all these reasons, many more, the mexican-u.s. alliance is unwavering. it has deep, strong roots. it is mature enough to endure

any political juncture, and it goes way beyond these unprecedented electoral process es. [applause] ms. massieu: however, we cannot dismiss the challenge to our shared future and comment thousand lightly, because our problem is not one of closed ds.ders, but one of arrow mines narrow minds. and so we will keep working facts, truth:ng and objective information the founding blocks of a lasting,

mutually beneficial relation, cemented on mutual trust and respect. ladies and gentlemen, it his " a this is autobiography, tale of light and darkness," it is told when his father was a little boy in poland, the streets of europe were covered home.efugees, jews, go today in the 21st century, in the united states, a climate of intolerance is sending a similar message -- mexicans, go home. and in many other parts of the world, conspicuously the western world, we are witnessing this same trend -- immigrants, go home. the context is certainly

different, but at its core it is the same disturbing rationale, the same lies, the same poignant stench of bigotry. are -- or rateho -- let me tell you who those strangers are. no different than american jews from all walks of life, accident-americans and mexican immigrants are those who plow the land and make sure there is food on our tables. they are doctors, scholars, teachers, farmers, business people, policemen, athletes, and they are also soldiers who go fight overseas so that freedom is safe and sound at home. [applause]

ms. massieu: those who want to make political profit stigmatizing these people, mexicans, jews mocking people of color, are wrong. for these country desk for this country was founded on the very principle that self-evident truth that all men and women are endowed with the same unalienable rights -- life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. and, you know, you know this notion that we are cloaked in dignity is one of the most prominent jewish concepts. ea wasd

revolutionary 3000 years ago when it became pivotal to the jewish athos. first, it is religious, and then in a secular form, it is stressed throughout the world, and today it is the cornerstone of what we collectively understand by civilization. and yet in many parts of the world, there seems to be too many people too willing to forget the lessons of history. aggressions against minorities have been all around the -- happen all around world on a the mostasis, widespread events even in the most advanced of society. demandsin a time that for us to remain vigilant and close ranks. solidarity is the word.

and this is precisely one of the main pillars of president n iso's state vision -- mexico a responsible glover actor, and we will can cheer creating that we will continue -- we will can it is when discrimination is allowed against one group, it is just a matter of time it targets others. passivity emboldens that bigots, and intolerance versus amidst silence.

and so we have to be strong and courageous and not afraid. we have to stand up to set the record straight. history also teaches us that every time we had been capable of uniting our wills, our voices, and our interaction the few that promote presser this, ignorance, and fear have been no match against the many who defend justice, liberty, and hope. peopleican and jewish partake in this common heritage. it is our shared values that bind us together -- respect for plurality, diversity, freedom, and tolerance. we also share many traits. we both chairs the importance of

family and the role of mothers and women in our society. water cultural, multiethnic countries, and vibrant democracies. e.g. then, as no surprise that the mexican community -- mexican-jewish community, not only feels that home in mexico, .as made mexico its home c jews have successfully flourished, and they contribute to our national development in science, business, philanthropy, the arts, public service, the academia, and almost every field. strongernefits and is community.ts jewish

say -- let me say loudly and clear, fighting anti-semitism, like standing up to anti-mexican sentiment, is not a jewish issue nor a mexican dish. it is a common battle for human rights. it is a matter of universal dignity that goes beyond race, religion, ideology, or politics. stance is simply nonnegotiable. that is why i want to recognize the american-jewish committee,

because you have raised your voice in favor of human rights and human decency. you have translated words into action, and your vision and work have defended racial, national, and religious boundaries. especially, i want to commend your courageous defense of immigrants in the united states. you stand up, you also inspire others to abandon apathy, lose the fear, and followed your examples. these have also been at the of jewish ethics and tradition, since it is written you ought to love those who are changers because you were all once strangers in a foreign land.

for years now, the governor did has cooperated with the mexico, exchanging experiences in leadership and social engagement dream mexican, jewish, and mexican-american activists, authorities, and community organizers. we are learning from you on how to better empower ourselves. we are grateful for your support, and i want to tell you that we are ready to take our partnership to the next level. that is why today the entire network of mexican consulates in the united states, the largest any country has in another, gathered here along with dozens of other mexican-american community leaders from all the states of this great nation. only an organization of the caliber of the ajc could have achieved such a turnout.

[applause] dear friends, paul johnson once wrote know people have insisted more firmly than the jews that history has a purpose and humanity against today. today, we have the opportunity to become the designers of that purpose and the architects of that destiny. as i said at the beginning, this is the land of the pioneers, and , pioneers do notr concede borders. they push them outward. it is the very essence that the -- we sharenation

common thousands. we share doubt -- common values. i have no doubt that working together future we will inherit to our children will be one where hope will prevail over fear. reason over ignorance. freedom and dignity over discrimination and bigotry. capacity to play in this world, that we are not familiar

to do that on a daily basis in our routines, in the leadership positions of the jewish community. this is a global institution. today there is a lot of respect in the diplomacy world in brazil for the activism of ajc in defending several different causes, not just jewish related. brasilia and go to we talked to the foreign minister, we they know we are not just a small minority group in brazil trying to occupy part of the agenda on a disproportionate basis. we are talking about an alliance we have the global player. i think when we use the channels, the sources, the tools of ajc, we do it better than anyone.

>> thanks, but i have not said anything at. pity me, and i want to thank the secretary for those stirring and very important remarks, and i think that she demonstrated why mexico is such a wonderful neighbor. i say that being married to a canadian. sorry. john shapiro, and i am the incoming national president. [applause] shapiro: it is now my honor to introduce one of your's most -- europe's most distinguished leader, the high european

equivalent of the foreign, and vice president of the european commission. next speaker our in june of 2014 in rome, where she served as the foreign minister of italy. one month later, after resurgence in anti-semitic incidents across europe, the minister along with her counterparts in belgium and berlin issued a carrion call against such hatred. they declared, " fx energy hostility against jews has no place in our societies." our friendship the continued as she moved to the brussels.urope, today as anti-somatic and extremist voices are rising around the world, it is more critical than ever that we stand together in common defense of our shirt values. our sharedy -- of

values. of democracy, pluralism, and defense of human dignity. without further and do, please join me in welcoming the leader responsible for navigating the collective foreign policy of the e.d.,ber states of the federica -- >> thank you, thank you, john, thanks for the invitation. their friends, it is such an honor for me to join this global forum. when i think of the speakers, shimon peres, i can only feel humbled and grateful for your

invitation. thank you. i am also particularly happy to be here with susan and claudia. soour meetings it happens often to be the only woman in the room, and today ajc is sending a pretty powerful message with this women only local leaders session. [applause] today werini: and somehow talk about women and men and their life. it is a very special day and moment to join you all for so many reasons. it is a delicate moment for america, a difficult moment for europe and the middle east, and in a few days we will present with the other leaders of the middle east quartet the report solution totate

turn it into a reality, but today is also the first day of i am sure you will allow us to wish our muslim friends all the best from here. because one thing -- [applause] ms. mogherini: one thing oropeans have learned, rather should have learned in our long history, is that people,s should unite and when they do not, we are all in trouble. also marks the anniversary of the d-day, and there could be no better andrtunity to be here celebrate friendship between europe and the united states of america. on d-day, a new chapter in our common history began. the free people of the world stood up. my generation can only remember that stories we heard from our

grandparents, just two days forcesd-day, the allied liberated my hometown at rome. we must all keep in mind those who sacrificed for our own europeans,day, americans, together. that was not simply a battle between two armies. on d-day, president roosevelt reminded the whole world what allied fighting for. fight to end conquest, the fight to liberate, the fight to let justice arise." and they won. wonact, that they we all because it was a victory against tyranny and racism.

we won against the idea that one people and one idea and went ideology should rule all others. that society would be stronger, perfect, with all differences, deleted, and eliminated, when all people would be identical, when all diversity would be destroyed. but we won. we won together. we won against the holocaust. the americans who died in normandy not just fighting for america, but for the all of us. they were black-and-white, christians, nonbelievers, and jews. and as an italian, i can only be grateful for the jewish grade for the contribution of liberation of italy. [applause] ms. mogherini: possibility of a free and united europe was born and wasday, on d-day,

born thanks to our american friends. our continent rose up with america's economic support and friendship. the transatlantic bond is written in our european union's dna. that does not mean that we have not had our tough moments. transatlantic incident was involved in one of those bad moments. we must truly be thankful to the american jewish committee and to the -- payment for having invested in our friendship right when we needed it most, because two friends know how to overcome difficult moments. barack obama got elected in 2008, he spoke clearly about alliances to repair. eight years later, today, our

alliance could not be in better shape. and let me tell you, whoever the next president will become i can only hope that our european union and the united states of america will keep working together as we have done in the hand in hand, always, because in difficult times, there is nothing you need more than good friends. and both europe and america need our friendship to remain strong. and let me tell you, it is the entire world that needs our friendship to remain strong. [applause] in europe we know it well, and i am sure americans know it, too. and these are difficult times indeed. the middley true for east. i will come to that in the moment. but these are also tough times inside our own.

crimes of if semitism are also increasing. we want to face it and fight. four people were killed in a shop last year paris. four year before at the jewish museum. europe is today close to a new kind of threat, but it is not just terrorists we have to worry about. there's also something else and the. -- deep. we see movement who foster and isometric discourse at a time of global uncertainty, an economic crisis, racism has become a shortcut for no policies at all. let me be -- [applause] that they be: totally clear on this. we will not close our eyes against the new anti-semitism.

wait until it goes way, because if we do not ask, it will not go away. we have to act together. and we know well that this fight cannot and must not be left to the jews. for alle responsibility political leaders, for society at large, and for our institutions. this is why european union appointed her first coordinator combating anti-sedatives -- and i semitism. let me share with you a personal note. can i? katerina and i have known each other for years, and we met just a few hundred meters from here when we were both taking heart in the german marshall

fellowship. when we talk about transatlantic fonts, they also help european. the european union has taken seriously the fight against if i semitism, and we are working with our member states to make sure that each kid in a european school knows about the holocaust, because only knowledge can illuminate the true meaning of the words "never ."ain, never again europe and america are the homeland of free speech. for this very reason, we know well what cannot be masked as free speech because it has nothing to do with it. so when someone is told to shut up just because he or she is a jew, when a synagogue is then analyzed, this is an in

sult to everyone's liberty. just a few days ago, the european commission signed an agreement with tech giants such twittere, facebook, and to make sure that all illegal hate speech is taken down quickly and effectively. these are criminal acts and must be treated simply as such. jewishcommunities -- communities and jewish culture are central to the social fabric of our continent, both in the united states and in europe. here in america, you have always focused on what people are doing, where people are going, not where they come from. and this makes your country such an incredible place. you.ve much to learn from i know this is not something you hear a lot from europeans. [laughter] ms. mogherini: but while we work

on it and we continue to keep in our history,, where we come from, let me tell you that in europe are history is impossible to separate from the jewish history. in rome, the other eternal city together with jerusalem, when someone wants to free he or she truly is from rome, they say i am a seventh-generation roman. believe me, this is almost certainly not true. [laughter] ms. mogherini: and it is almost impossible. first-generation roman, that there are some cases of true romans, seven but the onlyoman ones i know, they are all jewish romans. rome would not be rome without its jewish community. and even the food would not be the same, and this would be a

real disaster. europe would not be europe without european jews and their culture. that is our own culture. and this is not just about history. and is about our present about our future. it is about the very essence of our european union. after the holocaust with azism andn from nz fascism, we decided to build a civilization based on diversity. diversity is who we are. we haven that, it is to chosen to me. it is not giving up our own backgrounds and identities. on the contrary, we have tried to build a union where all different identities can live together and grow together -- the french and german, the eastern and the western, the christian,rotestant,

did you come the muslim, and the nonbeliever. i know this might sound idealistic in times when we are faced with too many attacks against jews and against all minorities. as a matter of fact, if dyson is -- fsm insist and islamophobia are rising at a similar pace. against this background, there's also some good news. think of london. as you know for the first time ever european capital has collected a muslim mayor. toew days ago, he decided join mayors united against and i semitism. it was a powerful decision of him and hence at the kind of europe weekend don't think -- we can build together, a continent where our minds can meet and forms. deservesgency really

-- and then mayor really deserves credit. and also for your way of thinking and living. it is not sectarian. it is not tribal. and we truly need this in times of growing tribalism, and all of our societies. in europe, in america, and in .srael, wantuestion is whether we to focus on the dividing lines among our tribes or look instead at what binds us together. fors a difficult challenge all of our societies, but i'm convinced what truly divides our people is not religion or nationality. the only meaningful dividing line runs between those who are ready to work for peace and ouristence beyond

differences and those who refuse the idea of living together in peace. that is what is at stake. in these times, it seems like the peacemakers are some kind of endangered species. i say that myself. global security environment has perhaps never been so unpredictable and dangerous, and the state of israel live in the most fragile, dangerous region in the world. we know the feeling. of daesh in the middle east is a direct threat of us. the muslim world is going with it a crash within civilization, press the most -- in the century to redefine the balance of power. i'm sure we could discuss this four days and it would be a very interesting and useful conversation.

we do not have a couple of days, right? but one force for sure among all is not just seeking power, but toer -- daesh is trying destabilize all countries in the region and the on, manipulating and misusing religion for the fight for power. and i know very well working for stabilization and reconciliation and even peace is a happier task, and that fascinates me. this is exactly what they want. they want the -- to win in our societies. and still i believe there is no other way out. we need a new deal, all the people and the powers of the middle east, or conflicts will spread even further through the entire region and far beyond to the africa, asia,

world. our european union together with the united states and the international community is working to avoid anything greater escalation. we do not know how difficult this is. sr efforts for peace in yria --a long-awaited political transition is not at hand. i am convinced we are working on the right path with our american friends. there's no other way to do this than to reach out to all regional and local players, and the new actors, beat them , muslim,hia non-muslim, only if we engage can we achieve some kind of cooperation. this is the lesson europe has learned. regional cooperation is what can

turn enemies into some kind of partners, that you might not like, you might not like your neighbor. still, you have to share the same space, because you cannot change your parents. i know we had different views on the deal we reached last year with iran, but let me be as sincere as we can, and people know that i am sincere, even too much sometimes, on what i believe we have achieved in vienna. one year ago in vienna, we achieved something that in europe would be very important for the security of the region. one year ago, susan said clearly, we had no assurance that iran will stay away from nuclear weapons. international atomic nuclear agency is

monitoring iran's program,, and i am having regular meetings with ministers, where we monitor and assure that the deal is properly implemented. as always this continues, there is no way to run can develop -- no way iran can develop an atomic weapon. this makes israel a safer place. [applause] the functions that europe and the united states -- the sanctions that europe and united states imposed on iran were linked to the program. they serve a purpose. and we list of our nuclear related sanctions. inis a matter of credibility a rules-based international community, and we want to be true to our rule. are worried,f you

many of you, most of you, all of influence inan's the region. we are worried as well. yes, iran is a player in regional dynamics. you have to face reality. you cannot deny. is true for the historic and geographical reasons, and you cannot change either of them. what you can do with reality to figure out how to cope with it, real matter is what kind of influence iran exerts. cooperationose confrontation. it has to decide whether to keep denying the state of israel or act responsibility towards some form of cooperative regional order. i believe the iranian people have an interest to choose cooperation, and we are making this clear to the iranian leadership in each and every

exchange we had with them. people of toronto are asking -- people of iran are asking for change, asking that people of the world to leave behind a culture of isolation and confrontation. uranium -- the iranian people. that ourdoes not imply disagreements with karen had disappeared. or that they will disappear any time soon. there are many things which we know we disagree. and we will continue to monitor the full implementation of the deal, and as you know, europe will keep cooperating with israel on its own security and regional security, as a partner and as a friend. -- in then a lot of past few years about europe's

relations with israel. many times i read about a crisis in our relationship. so let me tell you about my own experience over this year and a half. whenever i talk israeli leaders, any of them, we all know that europe and israel are tied very closely. of course, this has something to do with our economies. our union is israel's first trading partner. operation on science and research has produced so much innovation and progress for our people. there is more, much, much more. we are friends. we are friends. and we will always be. [applause] ms. mogherini: friends can disagree from time to time. that is even healthy.

on single issues, on specific policies, but we are and we will always be friends. and i know it dna is in our dna in europe and it is in our dna in israel, the inside, and-- deep that will never, never change. we can and we must trust each other. and on that basis of trust, mutual trust, mutual, true friendship, we can and must see what we can do to achieve the goals we share. just like the american jewish committee, our european union works for a negotiated and viable two-state solution to the conflict between the israelis and the palestinians. longtime since

oslo. it has been a long time, and the conditions for two states have still not been achieved. there is noate, other option to achieve peace than two states living side by side in security and peace. i have seen your pain with my own eyes, in july 2014. together, with then foreign minister lieberman, i feel the pain of the family whose house had been destroyed by a shell fired. this is why we need peace, because those kids that i met their deserved a normal life -- deserve a normal life, a normal life they do not have, and the only way for them to have that is to bring peace.

i have learned from israeli leaders. from security. security will come from peace. let me tell you something. my first visit as higher representative was to israel and palestine, and i was the first to visit israel after the general election last year. during that visit, after a heated electoral campaign like only in israel and a few other countries among which might own candy, the prime minister confirmed, standing next to me, his commitment to a two-state solution, and i was glad to hear that he and other ministers repeated just the same if you days ago after the new coalition deal. still, we are not moving forward. we hear the words. we do not see the acts. the opposite is true. the perspective. two states is dating away.

we feel as friends the duty to remind ourselves that the perspective we believe in and want to achieve is fading away every single day. would be great if new and meaningful negotiations could begin immediately, tomorrow. we would only celebrate. but we should all recognize that today, maybe tomorrow, the conditions for this to happen are simply not there. on the contrary, the situation on the ground could not be more serious and dangerous. the stabbing attacks had become a sad new feature in the everyday life of israeli citizens. and anytement to this other form of violent is totally unacceptable. and yes -- [applause] ms. mogherini: this is a responsibility that the

palestinian leadership has to take. arealso, settlements, too, putting the two-state solution beyond reach. susan said it very clearly, and we share completely this view, as we share many other things. some argue we should just wait for better times. -- theit every time conditions are not there, wait. ask in your, that is not even an option. if the situation does not approve, it will get worse. it is like riding a bicycle. if you do not move forward, you fall. it is a simple rule. escalation of violence that spiral out of control. we do not want to face the next gaza war, we do not want to witness to a collapse of the palestinian authority, we do not want to see the propaganda of

daesh effect the palestinian youth or the arab-israeli youth, we do not live to see this because we are friends of israel. our actions must be inspired by sense of gravity and urgency, first and foremost, for the sake of israel and its security. we must aim high, but we must also deal with the reality we apparently face, and be as pragmatic as we can. as president shimon peres said stilly times, there is light at the end of the tunnel. there's just no tunnel. [laughter] ms. mogherini: can our number sense ofity, the great humor of the jewish people -- we say the words. our number one priority must be to make it if he points -- and

if you point. we need to build a tunnel that will lead us to the end of this conflict. this is the aim of the reports by the middle east quartet which will be presented soon. we will describe very frankly as toends do the obstacles talks and the policies that affect the viability of a tooth date solution. --two-state solution. we hope it will be a contribution to re-create the conditions of the two sides to get back to meaningful onetiations, with at least minimal degree of -- with united support of the key regional players starting with the air countries, and with the key international players, ultimately, real change is in the hands of the israelis and palestinians .

this should be very clear to everyone. but at the same time, war and peace in the holy places do not sit concerned the israelis and the palestinians. vitalave a very direct, impact on the entire region, and they reverberate through the whole globe in a way.\ aroundld does revolve jerusalem. so there is responsibility. the region and the world cannot child away from their own responsibilities. to european union push relaunch the court to initiative, and the quartet is that teamwork. europe, united states, russia, and united nations together are all trying to restart some force of the peace process that today is simply nonexistent.

we have also decided to work hand in hand with jordan, egypt, and saudi arabia, with the arab peace initiative as a base, and it was mentioned today. because for the first time together, first time ever in history, the air countries can -- the arab countries can represent a threat to israel. please do not waste this opportunity. it is new. you have to use it. we have to use it. europe commitment to peace will not falter and will not waiver. -- internal debate is very we have a lot in common. at the end of the day we share the same part of the world. but fundamental choices of our foreign policy are solid, they

are here to stay, and they are clear. you will hear me say the same messages here, in the u.n. security council, in ramallah, in terra, in brussels, in jerusalem. what we say here, what we say everywhere is the same. we are friends. not only, we are true friends. transparent, frank, true. in thecommitted to peace middle east. we are committed to multilateralism and cooperation on essay, cultural, and political divides. we are committed to the two-state solution and to israel's security. our union needs to engage with israel even more. let me very clear on this. we need to engage with israel even more, not to boycott israel. boycotting can do no good. [applause] ms. mogherini: we are friends. we want to work together.

not to separate our destinies apart. also because it would not be possible and it would be an admission of our own respective failures. we are one. we are one. we're on the same boat. for me and for so many europeans, israel is a natural partner. we are and we will remain true friends. share so much,el and the history of the jewish people is the history of europe. european literature would not be ranzsame with no front, kafka, european culture would not be the same without einstein have music would not be the same mahler.gustav

even our cruising would not be the same, and this again would be a real disaster. not much in brussels, but in rome for sure. i never said that. [laughter] too many times we have seen the sorrow and the paint in your. ewishany times jw people have suffered like no people on earth. we know this well. through centuries of th diaspora, jewish culture as his friend so many cultures and reached out to the whole humankind. jewish values and ideals have become part of our own modern ideals, our shared backgrounds. we show the idea that our

actions have consequences, that we are responsible for what we do. -- that the idea of solidarity is not only a matter of charity, but of justice. but above all, we share the dedication to peace. shalom. shalom.. i know you are hungry, but i still have a few lines. alom is a gift, but it is something that we need to work hard for individually, in our own societies, and together. this is the sense of the work we

can do together. the american jewish committee, our european union, the united states can the regional players, the whole international community. you will always find your ready to work for peace, always. humbly, butietly, stubbornly. we will be there. up through the dream of oslo. i see it dying. this is painful. i see it dying in the political discourse. i see it dying in our societies. we are giving up peace. peace is not something you are free to give up to. we are starting to find his old situation normal. it is not. and it is a risk that no of us can run, if we want peace, because we go

on the ap's can bring security to all, we all need to start giving it. we have a responsibility. together, we can be peacemakers and this is the most difficult but also the most important and most beautiful thing we can do in this difficult time in the history of our world. and to build it in our beautiful, difficult but also exciting part of the world. om. shal may peace be upon all of us. thank you. [applause]

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