Bush Stays Upbeat in Israel Speech

As nation marks 60th birthday, rocket attack injures 14
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted May 14, 2008 4:49 PM CDT
Bush Stays Upbeat in Israel Speech
U.S. First Lady Laura Bush listens to a lecture during a visit to the tunnels of the Western Wall.   (AP Photo/Lior Mizrahi, Pool)

President Bush remained upbeat today in Jerusalem despite continuing strife, the AP reports. A rocket attack injured at least 14 hours before Bush addressed a gathering celebrating the 60th anniversary of Israel's founding. "America stands for peace and so does Israel," Bush said. "And as we stand in peace, we must understand the realities of the world in which we live."

"I suspect if you looked back 60 years ago and tried to guess where Israel would be at that time, it would be hard to be able to project such a prosperous, hopeful land," Bush said. The president held back tears as prime minister Ehud Olmert said to him, "You are an unusual person. You are an unusual leader. And you are an unusual friend of the people of Israel." (More Israel stories.)

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