Democrats add Jerusalem to platform

Democrats restore 'undivided' Jerusalem to 2012 platform after criticism over missing reference

Yitzhak Benhorin, AP|Published: 09.06.12 , 01:18

The Democrats have changed their convention platform to add a mention of God and declare that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

The move came after criticism from Republicans.

“Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel," the amended platform read, yet again. "The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.”

The section was included in the 2008 platform and was featured in past platforms for decades. Earlier this week it appeared to be missing from the 2012 manifesto.

The platform now includes what advisers said was President Barack Obama's personal stance on Jerusalem.

“The platform is being amended to maintain consistency with the personal views expressed by the President and in the Democratic Party platform in 2008," Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a statement.

“It has been the policy of both Republican and Democratic administrations for decades that Jerusalem is a final status issue to be negotiated directly between the two parties, as part of discussions to achieve a two-state solution that secures the Jewish state and homeland," Wasserman Schultz' statement said.

"Our Party platform already expresses strong support for the peace process and makes clear the steps that any Palestinian partner must take to be a part of such a process – recognizing Israel’s right to exist, rejecting violence, and adhering to existing agreements.”

The party also reinstated language from the 2008 platform that said "we need a government that stands up for the hopes, values and interests of working people and gives everyone willing to work hard the chance to make the most of their God-given potential."

Many in the audience booed after the Democratic National Convention chairman, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, ruled that the amendments had been approved despite the fact that a large group of delegates objected.

He called for a vote three times before ruling.

Angela Urrea, a delegate from Roy, Utah, said she felt it was sprung on the convention without any discussion.

"The majority spoke last night," Roy said, noting the platform was approved on Tuesday. "We shouldn't be declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel."