Obama celebrates Jewish contributions to US

Obama spoke at a White House reception Tuesday recognizing Jewish Americans in the arts, science, the military, business and industry, and in public and community service. He says they persevered despite unspeakable discrimination and adversity at times.

Earlier in the day, Obama and Jordan's King Abdullah II discussed Mideast issues in the Oval Office. The president is giving a major speech Thursday in Washington on changes in the region. He also planned to discuss the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Friday.