As he began a three-day trip to Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan today, President Obama delighted his hosts by speaking stilted Hebrew for three seconds during a speech on the tarmac at Tel Aviv’s airport. “Tov l’he’ot shuv b’aretz,” Obama proclaimed, meaning, “It’s good to be in Israel again.” This was met with laughter and applause by the Israelis in attendance, all of whom are entirely fluent in English.
