Israel: Obama cites racially-divided past in US as he urges Palestinian leader Abbas to return to peace talks Spoke to 600 Israeli university students in Jerusalem Thursday afternoon Earlier in the day, Obama said the challenges faced by Israeli and Palestinian youth reminds him those that were faced by black Americans One rocket falls in courtyard of house in Sderot, other lands in open field Received the highest civilian honor during the State Dinner Thursday night President Obama's highly anticipated speech to college students in Israel was interrupted not long after it began by a heckler who was reportedly calling for a spy to be freed from jail. While the American president was giving an impassioned plea for peace, he was cut off by an unidentified heckler in the audience who was shouting so loud that Obama had to stop his remarks, though he was able to brush the incident off and earn goodwill among the students as a result. "This is part of the lively debate we talked about- this is good," he said. I have to say we actually arranged for that because it made me feel at home. I wouldn't feel comfortable if I didn't have at least one heckler," he joked prompting much of the young audience to stand. Say what? President Obama's speech to a group of college students was interrupted by a heckler who was calling for the release of an American spy who switched sides for Israel Stopped in his tracks: The President briefly paused during his speech but brushed the issue aside Moving on: Much of the audience- including Mr Obama- couldn't hear what the heckler was saying but pool reporters found out that it was in reference to the jailed spy Jonathan Pollard The male heckler was not identified, but pool reporters allege that he was calling for the release of Jonathan Pollard, an American spy who was working for Israel before switching sides and selling American secrets to the Jewish state. Pollard's story dates back to his 1987 sentencing, and since then he has renounced his American citizenship, been granted citizenship to Israel, and become something of a cult figure in the Jewish state. He has a large and notable following, including current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who visited Pollard in jail before he was elected to office. Honor: Israeli President Shimon Peres awarded President Barack Obama the Presidential medal of distinction which is the highest honor for a civilian in the state of Israel The fact that the protestor chose that subject- rather than a more recent problem like the on-going settlement camps, the prospect of Iran developing nuclear weapons or the ever-evolving peace process- was certainly unexpected. As for Mr Obama, the text of his speech was far more along the lines of the expected, as he mentioned his daughters a number of times and called for the young people in the audience to push for their politicians to make courageous moves towards peace. In an unscripted moment, he talked about the Palestinian teenagers and young adults that he met earlier in the day, saying that "they weren't that different from my daughters, they weren't that different from your daughters or sons." Living legend: While President Peres lavished the praise on President Obama, Obama returned the favor saying that he is the last of the founding fathers of Israel Waiting his turn: President Obama was seated next to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the dinner He went on to say that he "honestly believes" that Israeli parents would want Palestinian children to succeed and thrive in a safe environment "if they had a chance to listen to them and talk to them." He referenced Malia and Sasha again when bringing up the seemingly constant stream of rockets that are launched out of the Gaza Strip, saying that peace must prevail in the territory. "He said his concerns lie with "children the same age as my own daughters who went to bed fearful that a rocket would land in their bedrooms simply because of who they are and where they live. That's why we invested in the Iron Dome... those children deserve to sleep better at night. The President didn't rely solely on his own rhetorical prowess as he also quoted Martin Luther King, an Israeli Nobel laureate and the founder of Israel. Popular response: Much of the audience gave the President an ovation after he brushed the heckler issue aside, joking that he was used to getting heckled in the U.S. President Obama's speech- which American political pundits lauded as one of his boldest yet- said that while it would be politically easier for him to simply submit to anything and everything that Israeli leaders proposed, given Israel's strong support base back in the U.S., he is choosing to work closely with them as a partner and friend rather than a so-called "yes man." "I also believe it is important to be open and honest, especially with your friends," Mr Obama said, after repeatedly calling the U.S. the greatest, oldest, and strongest friend that Israel has. The speech in front of 600 students from various Israeli college students was held at the International Cultural Center in Jerusalem, and came after spending several hours today with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Calls for action: Reporters said that the heckler was talking about Jonathan Pollard, a former American spy who is now in a U.S. jail over his decision to sell secrets about America Hopeful: Throughout his speech, President Obama called for young people to take action and demand that their politicians work for change in the region Friends: Obama praised the strong, great, and old friendship that America has with Israel He used his daughters in that instance as well, bringing them up in reference to America's previous racial divide. 'Whenever I meet these young people, whether they're Israeli or Palestinian, I think of my young daughters,' he said during a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Those of us in the United States understand that change takes time, but change is possible. There was a time when my daughters did not have the same opportunities as somebody else's daughters.' Touring the area: President Obama shakes hands with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas as he arrived in the West Bank on Thursday Meeting the children: The two presidents greeted Palestinian dancers after a performance at a youth center in Ramallah. During his press conference, President Obama said the children of Palestine inspire him Future: During his public remarks, Obama likened the struggle between the Israelis and Palestinians to that of the racial divide that used to exist in America The mention of his own family came as the American President tried to extoll the rationale for steady compromise between Israel and Palestine, and their need to continue direct talks over a possible two-state solution even if they don't have everything agreed upon to begin with. 'If we can only have direct negotiations when everything is settled ahead of time then there is no point to have negotiations,' Obama said. If we can get direct negotiations started again, I believe that the shape of a potential deal is there and if both sides can make that leap together then not only do I believe that the Israeli people and Palestinian people would ultimately support it in huge numbers, but I think the world and the region would cheer. He repeatedly praised the 'entrepreneurial spirit' of the Palestinian people that he had met, and he made an economic argument for the push for peace, saying that if the people lived in stable and independent states than their untapped talent would be able to truly thrive. Visiting the other side: The day after meeting with the Israeli President and Prime Minister, President Obama held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (right) and they had a joint press conference afterwards Under the shadow of the past: President Obama called on Palestinians to break out of old habits that have caused roadblocks on the path to peace and kept them and the Israelis from returning to the negotiating table One of the striking things- one of the ironies- is both the Israeli and Palestinian people are extremely entrepreneurial. They have a keen business sense, they could be extremely helpful in lifting up the economy of the region as a whole,' Obama said. There were areas for suggested improvement, as President Obama called for an end to the construction of settlements, saying American officials do not consider it is 'constructive, to be appropriate, to be something that can advance the cause of peace.' Though his message was theoretically positive, as he continually repeated his expectations for a two-state solution to come to fruition, he did call on the leaders of Israel and Palestine to push forward and let go of the issues that prevented them from compromising in the past. 'We're going to have to be wiling to break out of the old habits, the old arguments to break out into that new place,' he said. In remarks likely to disappoint, if not infuriate, the Palestinians, Obama said the United States continues to oppose the construction of Jewish housing on land claimed by the Palestinians but stressed that issues of disagreement between the two sides should not be used as an 'excuse' to do nothing. Bashful: This little boy is clearly a little nervous to be in the presence of Mr Obama Symbolism: Critics have said that much of the point of this trip was to provide a symbolic gesture to the Middle East He said there would be no point to negotiations if differences had to be resolved before they start. 'Even though both sides may have areas of strong disagreement, maybe engaging in activities that the other side considers to be a breach of good faith, we have to push through those things to try to get to an agreement,' Obama told reporters. Mr Obama flew in to the city of Ramallah on US Marine One just hours after two rockets exploded in a southern Israeli town near the Gaza border. Obama's comments echoed those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called for the Palestinians to drop their 'preconditions' for re-launching the peace talks. The guy to talk to: President Obama points to President Abbas shortly after they had a 'good' meeting Taking turns: President Abbas claps after President Obama's statement. The two men praised one another but did not seem overly affectionate or close Tough talk: President Obama said that the Israeli construction of settlements- though they are something he condemns- should not be a reason for Palestinians to avoid the negotiating table The U.S. president's remarks are sure to reinforce skepticism among Palestinians that Obama is ready, willing or able to use U.S. influence to press Israel into making concessions on a matter they have identified as a top priority. Hitting the stage: President Abbas said that they had 'a good and useful round of talks' During his first four years in office, Obama had sided with the Palestinians on the issue. He and his surrogates repeatedly demanded that all settlement activity cease. However, when Israel reluctantly declared a 10-month moratorium on construction, the Palestinians balked at returning to the table. 'We require the Israeli government to stop settlements in order to discuss all our issues and their concerns,' Abbas said in the appearance, which was an integral part of Obama's brief visit to the West Bank on the second day of his Mideast visit. The rocket attack is considered likely to be the result of Palestinian hardliners sending a message during the U.S. President's historic trip to the country. Long-awaited visit: U.S. President Barack Obama has arrived in the West Bank for talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Grand welcome: The pair review troops as they participate in an arrival ceremony The two men shook hands and then Mr Obama embraced President Mahmoud Abbas Down to business: Meeting Mr Obama off his helicopter, Mr Abbas took him to his presidential compound for talks For posterity: President Barack Obama and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Pose for a picture upon his arrival First visit: Obama arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah on his first visit since taking over the White House more than four years ago Arrival: The US Marine One, the helicopter carrying US President Barack Obama lands today at the Muqata, the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Obama arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah Visit: President Obama's itinerary includes meetings with the Palestinian and Israeli leaders as well as a visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Tour: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) and U.S. President Barack Obama visit the shrine of the book today in Jerusalem Amused: The pair look at a snake-shaped robot which can be used in search and rescue operations during a tour of a technology exposition at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem today Protest: A Palestinian slaps a shoe on a picture of U.S. President Barack Obama during a protest against his visit, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip Hostile: The remains of pictures of U.S. President Barack Obama, burnt by Palestinians are pictured during a protest against his visit