Contrast: Obama lectures Jews and Israel to be moral and make HARD PEACE in
holiday greetings contrasts with friendly neutral Eid message
Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA 13 September 2015

Here is the message by President Obama to the Jews:

#1. "we are required to atone where we have fallen short. And to do
whatever we can to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past" - don't cross
with me again (see #2).

#2. "Hope is hard. Peace is hard. " = On the agenda is forcing Israel to
accept a "hard peace" with the Palestinians based on "hope" rather than
reality. (and #3 if wondering)

#3. "As a community bound together by shared values side by side with
friends and allies like the State of Israel lets write the next chapter in
a way that speaks to the best of our traditions and the highest of our
ideals." = That's right, I AM talking about Israel and a deal.

#4. "we recognize how much lies beyond our control" = you lost on Iran.
I won. It can and will happen in the future.

#5. "our tremendous power to make a difference. In our lives and in our
world. " = I make a tremendous difference, and side with me to make a
tremendous difference (see above)
===================
Shanna Tova from President Obama
[September 2015 - transcript by IMRA from White House YouTube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqXDwIVQCvE

Chag Sameach everybody.

On behalf of myself and Michelle and our family I want to extend our warmest
wishes to Jews across America, Israel and the world as you mark the first of
the high holy days.

Jewish tradition teaches us that for the next ten days the Book of Life is
open.

As millions of Jews ask God to inscribe their names in that Book we
recognize how much lies beyond our control.

Yet during these Days of Awe we also recognize our tremendous power to make
a difference. In our lives and in our world.

As human beings we are not required to be perfect, but we are required to
atone where we have fallen short. And to do whatever we can to avoid
repeating the mistakes of the past. And to love the stranger and treat him
as we would want to be treated.

These things are not easy. Faith is hard. Hope is hard. Peace is hard.

But right now the book is open. Not just for God but for us.

As a community bound together by shared values side by side with friends and
allies like the State of Israel lets write the next chapter in a way that
speaks to the best of our traditions and the highest of our ideals.

Let's usher in a sweet new year full of health and hapiness for out
families, friends and neighbors. Whether they live down the street or
halfway around the world.

Happy New Year everyone And from my family to yours - Shannah Tova.

===========================
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
July 16, 2015
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/16/statement-president-occasion-eid-ul-fitr


Michelle and I would like to extend our warmest wishes to Muslims in the
United States and around the world celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr. As Muslims mark
the end of the month, they are reminded that Ramadan is a time to reflect
spiritually, build communally, and aid those in need. While Eid marks the
end of Ramadan, it marks a new beginning for each individual – a reason to
celebrate and express gratitude on this holiday.

For millions of Muslims, the morning of Eid is marked with the call to
prayer echoing through cities and towns across the globe. Millions of people
head to local mosques for special Eid prayers followed by festive
gatherings, gift exchanges, and feasts among friends, neighbors and
families. The diversity of traditions paint the vibrant images we see from
around the world capturing the spirit and excitement of Eid – colorful
dresses or white garments decorating the masses of people standing in lines
for prayer, lanterns and ornaments lighting up bazaars and neighborhoods,
intricate henna designs painted on hands of young girls and women, and an
abundance of delectable foods and aromatic cuisines.

As Muslim Americans celebrate Eid across America, the holiday is a reminder
to every American of the importance of respecting those of all faiths and
beliefs. This past year New York City Public Schools announced adding Eid to
their official school calendars alongside Christmas, Hanukkah and other
holidays – an acknowledgement of the great diversity and inclusiveness that
adds to the richness of our nation. During this year’s White House Iftar, I
had the opportunity to meet inspiring young Muslim Americans who are leading
efforts for greater understanding and unity across diverse communities.
Following the Iftar, one of the young attendees helped spearhead an effort
that raised more than $75,000 for the churches burned in the wake of the
shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Americans of
all faiths and beliefs must stand together to protect our democracy and
strengthen our country as a whole.

Michelle and I hope today brings joy to all of your homes, both here in the
U.S. and around the world. From my family to yours, Eid Mubarak!