We may differ in the cultures from whence we hail, but we Jews all descend from Avraham, and inspire our countries to adopt a more ethical way of doing things. An Avraham Avinu way of doing things
Somehow, wishing another the blessing of Sabbath peace from on-high, while offering the very real human gifts of joy and friendship as reflected in a smile, combines the essence of Jerusalem, and what makes it so special.
Everyone is to blame - Obama for encouraging Arabs and Israel for ignoring them.
Even an elephant wants to give Peres a birthday gift. The President could have used his visit to the Jerusalem Zoo to talk about Noah, but he preferred to speak about –surprise – peace and co-existence.