Statement by the Press Secretary on the Terrorist Attack in Tel Aviv

The United States condemns today’s terrorist attack on a bus in Tel Aviv.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those injured, and with the people of Israel.  These attacks against innocent Israeli civilians are outrageous.  The United States will stand with our Israeli allies, and provide whatever assistance is necessary to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack.  The United States reaffirms our unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security and our deep friendship and solidarity with the Israeli people.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of President-elect Peña Nieto of Mexico

President Obama will host President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico at the White House on Tuesday, November 27.  The President looks forward to meeting President-elect Peña Nieto and hearing about his vision for leading Mexico over the next six years.  They plan to discuss a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues during their Oval Office meeting.  The President welcomes the opportunity to underscore the shared values and strong bonds of friendship between the United States and Mexico.  The United States remains committed to work in partnership with Mexico to increase economic competitiveness in both countries, promote regional development, advance bilateral efforts to develop a secure and efficient 21st Century Border, and address our common security challenges.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Retirement of Coach John Gagliardi

On behalf of the President, I want to congratulate John Gagliardi on his retirement as the winningest coach in college football history.

Over the course of 64 seasons – 60 of them at his beloved Saint John’s – Gagliardi’s 486 wins put him among the greatest to ever coach the game.  With a career that began as a 16-year-old after his high school coach was called to serve in World War II, Gagliardi was never the most conventional figure.  He instructed his players to call him “John” instead of “Coach,” and in turn, called each of his more than 100 players by their first names.  His refusal to allow tackling in practice and his insistence that players make class before practice also became the stuff of legend.  But the unusual methods worked – earning St. John’s four national championships.  And even as his time on the gridiron comes to a close, Gagliardi’s genuine concern for players as scholar athletes and human beings will ensure that his influence will be felt for years to come.