"Americans admire a people who can scratch a desert and produce a garden. The Israelis have shown qualities that Americans identify with: guts, patriotism, idealism, a passion for freedom. I have seen it. I know. I believe that"

This quote by Richard M. Nixon talks to the appreciation that Americans have for the Israeli people. Nixon acknowledges the effort and commitment of the Israelis in changing the desert into a garden, and the qualities that they have that Americans relate to: guts, patriotism, idealism, and a passion for liberty. Nixon speaks from experience, having actually seen the improvement of the desert and the qualities of the Israeli people firsthand. He thinks that the Israelis have actually earned the admiration of Americans, which this affection is well-deserved.