IN 1790 GEORGE Washington, the first President of the United States of America, wrote to the Hebrew congregation of Newport Rhode Island, people who had fled persecution in Europe.
‘May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree there shall be none to make him afraid.’
There are echoes of the Bible here. Washington wanted the settlers to be made welcome.