and also thank the representatives who have joined us this evening from the following countries, bulgaria, sigh price, the czech republic, egypt, france, georgia, germany, israel, of course, jordan, the netherlands, poland, switzerland, the united kingdom, as well as the european union, and the palestinian authority. [applause] i would be remised if i did not pay special tribute to our middle east team showing devotion, thank you, all, very, very much. [applause] most especially, most especially, i want to applaud a atree yachtic -- patriotic and selfless american, a world war ii veteran, a visionary for peace in the middle east, and above all, a lifelong z ionist, danny abraham. [applause] with that, i will turn the program over to a gentleman who is, i would respectfully suggest, in fact, the most trusted name in the news, a talented journalist and newsman who was not only kind enough to join us this evening, but when asked said it would be a privilege, and it is my privilege to introduce wolf blitzer. [applause] >> it is my privilege to introduce the president of israel, shimon peres.