Obama gives Netanyahu synagogue relic
Posted: 03/22/2013
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - President Barack Obama has given a small piece of the oldest synagogue in the United States to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Providence Journal reports that Obama on Wednesday gave Netanyahu a small piece of a floorboard that was removed from Touro Synagogue of Newport, R.I., during a reconstruction several years ago.
George Washington visited the synagogue and in 1790 wrote a now-famous letter affirming the nation's commitment to religious freedom.
The wood given to Netanyahu was framed and included a plaque quoting a Scripture in Washington's letter: "Everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid."
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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