JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli President Shimon Peres launched his own YouTube channel.
Peres inaugurated his channel Tuesday afternoon alongside YouTube founder Chad Hurley, who made a special trip to Israel for the event.
“Welcome to my YouTube channel," the president’s YouTube greeting begins. "I am so glad to speak to you and no less, to listen to you. I would like to share with you my dreams, my thoughts, and I would like also to hear your dreams and your thoughts."
Peres will use the channel to meet Web surfers around the world, including those from countries with which Israel does not have formal diplomatic relations. The president also will answer questions from YouTube viewers at virtual news conferences he hosts.
For the first night of Chanukah, Peres has recorded a special greeting to Jews outside Israel to be broadcast in central synagogues and community centers across the globe. Peres also will air a special Christmas greeting to Christians.
Peres has uploaded to his channel important speeches, such as his acceptance of the Nobel Prize; key events, such as Hillary Clinton’s first official visit as U.S. secretary of state; and comedy films, including a few satires.
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