In yesterday’s much anticipated, debated, over -analyzed, and much talked about meeting between the Israeli and U.S. leaders, my favorite moment was when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gently pressed the American President Barak Obama.

Netanyahu didn’t ask for permission for his country to bomb Iran, or for more financial support, or even for the White House to ease up on promoting the peace process.

Said Netanyahu: “You know, I’ve been coming here a lot. It’s about time you and the First Lady came to Israel, sir.”

Obama, who hasn’t been to the Jewish state since he was running for president, quickly replied, “I’m ready. We look forward to it. Thank you.”

“Any time,” Netanyahu said.

That made me think. How many Americans – either those on the right or the left – who often put their two cents in about what America should do about Israel or what Israel should do about Israel – have never set foot in the Jewish state?

I always welcome healthy debate, but I also know that seeing is believing. I respect people who say Israel should treat the Palestinians better, but I hope they all have seen the Dome of the Rock atop the Western Wall. The same goes for those who say Israel should be tougher on the Palestinians, but have never stared into West Bank Arab communities.

American Christians are still visiting, and so are some Jews. But, not nearly enough of the armchair commentators have first hand knowledge of the real situation.

If it’s good for Obama to visit, it’s good for the rest of us as well.

Of course, it is good for all of us to visit! I have no doubt.