The power of the address delivered by US President Barack Obama [March 21] lay not only in the carefully chosen words that struck the right chord with the Israeli-Jewish experience in all its poignancy, fears, victories and hopes. But it was perhaps best expressed in the outburst of warmth that the young audience exuded toward the podium in reaction to the president’s address, even when he touched on the suffering of the Palestinians and their “just” aspiration for statehood.

What happened in the audience was as fascinating as the speech itself. Although it was clear that a favorable young audience had been selected a priori, those in attendance could feel that there was much more than just a sense of endearment and respect for the president. As planned, Obama was able to address the Israeli public directly, skillfully turning from an almost hostile figure into a true, caring and embracing friend. 

The frequent applause was an emotional expression of sympathy and warmth by thousands of young people who, only two days earlier, had not counted Obama amongst Israel’s friends. And yet almost instantly they were riveted and in love.

Even the knowledge that this was a well-orchestrated event that left no room for surprises did not dampen the feeling of authentic warmth carried from the president to the audience and back to him. This is the kind of energy that’s hard to fake. It was utterly spontaneous and sweeping. It could be felt from the moment Obama set foot on the decorated stage and as he stood tall facing the audience, artfully caressing it with his words and offering himself to them. And they willingly surrendered.