Obama Wants to Preach to Young Israelis during Visit

President Barack Obama hopes to address young Israelis on his visit to Israel, a senior administration official said.

"The president’s speech is an opportunity for him to speak directly with the Israeli people, in particular to young people, about the broad nature of the U.S.-Israeli relationship,” the official told JTA ahead of a White House briefing Thursday with Jewish community leaders about the trip scheduled for later this month.

The president’s agenda has not been revealed, but reports last week indicated he favors speaking at Tel Aviv University. The White House did not comment on Wednesday’s report that he might speak to students at the Jerusalem Convention Center.

President Obama’s visit to Jerusalem during the 2008 presidential campaign was carefully staged to prevent any negative questions.

If he addresses an audience youth that is screened for a favorable reception, he will be not be speaking to the consensus. Most polls show an increasing rightward move by youth.