Jerry Ford and Israel

The late US President Jerry Ford was good for the Americans, as he should have been. But I don't remember him as being good for Israel, contrary to the recent headlines, such as, Ford´s Role in Soviet Jewry Issue Called "Pivotal".

Then and now it seemed like he had a special feeling for King Hussein and then wife, Queen Alia, since less than a week after taking office the Jordanian monarch was a guest of the Fords. I just wasted some time trying to google for one of the famous pictures of Queen Alia, looking very petite and charming, dancing with newly inaugurated Jerald Ford. If anyone can find one, please send me the link in comments.

Of course, we're talking about things that happened over a generation ago, and many ofthosee writing words of praise for the late Jerry Ford weren't out of diapers, orweren'tt even born when he served his short, very short, term as president of the USA.

Properly researching Ford's policies towards Israel would make a nice thesis for an advanced degree. I'm just a blogger who earns my keep as an EFL English teacher, who specializes in remedial students. To put it simply, my memories of Ford in terms of his relationship to Israel was negative. He was much closer to the Arabs.

To quote from the toast, he made during Hussein and Alia's visit:

Your Majesty, your determination, your courage, your dedication to the cause of peace in the Middle East are so well-known to all of us that any repetition on my part of your distinguished accomplishments is totally unnecessary.
You are no less famed for your personal courage your forthrightness, your dedication to the welfare of your people, and for your loyalty to your friends. I am proud to salute you tonight not only as a statesman and a leader but also as a close, personal friend and as a friend of our country.