The Jewish Policy Center commends President Trump’s decision – in the face of threats of violence and political intimidation – to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.
Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years, though not always its seat of government. With the restoration of Jewish sovereignty in its historic homeland in 1948, and following the expulsion of the Jewish population and the illegal occupation and annexation of the eastern side of the city by Jordan, Jerusalem has been the capital of the State of Israel and the seat of its government since 1950. Reunification of the city in 1967, following Jordan’s attacks on Israel during the Six Day War, voided the illegal annexation.
Peace with the Arab States and the Palestinian people is much to be desired and pursued, but the permanence and legitimacy of Israel in the region, with its capital in Jerusalem, is non-negotiable.
