Laura and I are pleased to join you to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

I want to thank your hosts, Sheldon and Miriam Adelson; your distinguished speakers Governor Haley Barbour, Governor Linda Lingle, and Republican whip Eric Cantor; my dear friends Josh Bolten and Ari Fleischer. Pleased to know that former Senator Norm Coleman is there. And I want to thank all the current and former RJC leaders gathered in Las Vegas.

This fine organization has come a long way since its founding in 1985. With 45 chapters and nearly 30,000 members, the RJC has emerged as a trusted advisor to presidents and prime ministers, governors and legislators.

I will never forget my first experience with the RJC. I visited Israel with three fellow governors. I took a helicopter tour of the West Bank with Ariel Sharon. I was impressed by the thriving, modern society that rose from the desert. I was also struck by Israel's vulnerability and convinced that America must always be Israel's closest ally.

That conviction guided me through eight years in the White House. I made clear that the United States would support Israel's right to defend itself, that no cause could justify the killing of innocent people, and that lasting peace requires two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

I was grateful for the RJC's steadfast support throughout my time in office. And I am confident you will continue to advance the principles that unite us: free enterprise at home, open markets abroad, and the right of all people to live lives and practice their faith free of terrorism and blackmail and fear.

For a quarter century the RJC has carried this message with determination, optimism, and resolve. On behalf of Laura and me, "mazel tov." I wish you success in the years ahead. And may God bless you all.

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