I'm pretty sure President Bush was in this helicopter over my house. A whole row of choppers from America's Marine One fleet went over, flying from the airport to Jerusalem. Bush came for Israel's May 14 Independence Day and to contribute to the Facing Tomorrow Presidential Conference. Also participating were present and former presidents, prime ministers and senior officials from 27 countries, along with Jewish Nobel Prize winners, Google founder Sergey Brin, and Susan Decker of Yahoo. (By the way, none of these countries recognizes Jerusalem as our capital. Their embassies are in Tel Aviv.)Bush also requested to be helicoptered to the desert mountain fortress of Masada. In the year 73 C.E., after a long siege, the Romans were about to break through the walls and capture the Jewish resistance fighters inside. Rather than fall into Roman slavery, the 960 men, women, and children died by their own sword. Masada is a powerful symbol for our modern nation; some say we have a Masada complex.
Bush later addressed the Knesset and to a standing ovation declared: "Masada shall not fall again! Israel's population may be just over 7 million. But when you confront terror and evil, you are 307 million strong, because America stands with you."
(To see more Sky Watch Friday contributions visit Tom's blog.)
I saw him on television last evening and I never found anyone speaking who appreciated what he said in reference to his opposition.
ReplyDeleteOh well, fortunately, even this Bush will not last forever as President of the United States.
I do like your helicopter shot. I got one earlier this past summer of the large plane that carries his automobiles around to wherever he is going to be. It was also very low and we thought would hit an oak tree but it missed. It also scared the daylights out of my wife.
Hi Abe, A huge plane at tree-top level?! That WOULD be deafening and scarey.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the Pres left today for Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Now we can have our normally quiet Jerusalem skies back, and our streets opened again.
Great shot
ReplyDeleteA beautiful picture.
ReplyDeletethe less said about Bush, the better.
Good taken.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great photo of the helicopter... that overcast sky is a fantastic backdrop to the helicopter... very nice! I can only imagine the disruption that must've left the area while that was going on!
ReplyDeleteMasada's story is truly incredible; painfully sad and inspiring at the same time.
ReplyDeleteA nice photo and memory of a visiting USA President to your country.
ReplyDeleteI know about the Masada fortress and it's seige.
As for Mr. Bush, need we shall waste time with him?
Sounds like he's better received in your country than at home! It made for a lovely Skywatch though!!!
ReplyDeleteNow this is an unusual SkyWatch photo. Most interesting, and right over your house.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have your calm streets back again.
I have no opinion on Bush or politics that I could post here or on any blog .. I will comment on the picture of the helicoptor and the capture of it overhead.. I have seen similar to this one and it was very loud I know that.
ReplyDeleteThank you fot taking part again this week.
Bush?? No comment but your shot is great:)
ReplyDeletePetunia's SWF
cool pic
ReplyDeletegreat picture, great post.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to read about Bush's visit there. We don't get to hear the thoughts of one. Thanks for sharing it. I like your shot of the helicopter too.
ReplyDeleteIt's weird around here when the president comes to visit, there are so many helicopters that no one really knows which one he's in. Probably for safety reasons.
An interesting photo. A US President's air transportation is suitable fodder for a Sky Watch, I'd say. I live very close to a military installation and hear helicopters and large jet aircraft daily. They're noisy things!
ReplyDeleteI think it is very interesting that you were able to capture this helicopter as it was flying over. Good photo.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post and picture! I would have been very excited if I thought I saw the president fly over.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that -
ReplyDeleteHi everybody,
ReplyDeleteWo, such heated response to the B word! I'm always glad to learn from y'all's comments. Thanks for sharing your feelings and ideas.
I saw in the newspaper that Bush had accepted the gift of a bicycle from the Prime Minister (?) and he actually looked ridiculous on it wearing his dark suit and tie. Just another photo op for him, I guess. Great shot of the helicopter and thanks for coming by. :D
ReplyDeleteWow, what's with all the Bush bashing! I am in total agreement with his comments on Masada. America stands with Israel while Iran wants it to be blown off the face of the earth. Yeaaa for President Bush! You can respect a man's office even if you don't agree with all he has to say, and yes it's that way with every president. Just my two cents.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Abe : this Bush will not last forever as President of the USA! And your photo is great!
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