After President Obama’s speech this morning at the United Nations General Assembly, J Street Executive Director Jeremy Ben-Ami released the following statement:

President Obama’s exceptionally balanced and pragmatic speech this morning at the United Nations General Assembly struck exactly the right tone as he pledged his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security as a Jewish homeland and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

As the President recognized, securing the future of Israel and the Palestinians through two states for two people is both a moral imperative and a critical national security interest of Israel and the United States.

While the road ahead may be difficult, the President should know that he has a significant base of support among Jewish Americans and other friends of Israel as he provides the assertive leadership needed to bring the parties to the table to, once and for all, achieve true peace and security in the region.