RELATED ARTICLE:James Jones sorry for 'Jewish merchant' jokeAt the 25th anniversary celebration of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy held last Wednesday, Jones spoke of both the US backing of Israel and the need to get the peace process moving.“Everyone must know that there is no space – no space – between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel’s security. Our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable. It is as strong as ever,” he said.He also stressed, “It is time to begin those negotiations and to put an end to excuses. It is time for all leaders in the region – Israeli, Palestinian and Arab – to support efforts for peace.”He began his remarks, however, with a joke that offended some membersof the largely Jewish audience, though it was greeted with laughter. OnMonday his office put out a statement expressing his regret for anyoffense he caused.The joke described a lost and thirsty memberof the Taliban who, after several days of wandering, comes across astore owned by a Jewish merchant. When the Taliban fighter asks him forwater, the merchant tells him he has only neckties and offers to sellhim one at a good price. Seeing the livid man is not satisfied with theresponse, he tells him of a restaurant just a couple of miles away. TheTaliban fighter leaves only to return in an hour, reporting that, “Yourbrother tells me a I need a tie to get into the restaurant.”“Iwish that I had not made this off-the-cuff joke at the top of myremarks, and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it,” Jones saidin Monday’s statement. “It also distracted from the larger message Icarried that day: that the United States’ commitment to Israel’ssecurity is sacrosanct.”
Obama drops in on Barak-Jones meeting
US president stresses dedication to achieving a two-state solution.
RELATED ARTICLE:James Jones sorry for 'Jewish merchant' jokeAt the 25th anniversary celebration of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy held last Wednesday, Jones spoke of both the US backing of Israel and the need to get the peace process moving.“Everyone must know that there is no space – no space – between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel’s security. Our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable. It is as strong as ever,” he said.He also stressed, “It is time to begin those negotiations and to put an end to excuses. It is time for all leaders in the region – Israeli, Palestinian and Arab – to support efforts for peace.”He began his remarks, however, with a joke that offended some membersof the largely Jewish audience, though it was greeted with laughter. OnMonday his office put out a statement expressing his regret for anyoffense he caused.The joke described a lost and thirsty memberof the Taliban who, after several days of wandering, comes across astore owned by a Jewish merchant. When the Taliban fighter asks him forwater, the merchant tells him he has only neckties and offers to sellhim one at a good price. Seeing the livid man is not satisfied with theresponse, he tells him of a restaurant just a couple of miles away. TheTaliban fighter leaves only to return in an hour, reporting that, “Yourbrother tells me a I need a tie to get into the restaurant.”“Iwish that I had not made this off-the-cuff joke at the top of myremarks, and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it,” Jones saidin Monday’s statement. “It also distracted from the larger message Icarried that day: that the United States’ commitment to Israel’ssecurity is sacrosanct.”