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US Embassy in Tel Aviv
Photo: Michael Kramer

Congressmen urge US to move embassy to Jerusalem

At Capitol Hill event marking 46 years since reunification of Jerusalem, heads of bipartisan Israel Allies Caucus say relocating US Embassy to capital a 'no brainer'

The heads of the bipartisan Congressional Israel Allies Caucus on Tuesday urged the Obama administration to move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

 

“We strongly believe that Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of Israel with no waivers and no caveats,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), in an event on Capitol Hill Tuesday marking 46 years since the reunification of Jerusalem.

 

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“It is long overdue for the US government to relocate our embassy to Israel’s capital, Jerusalem,” said Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-30), noting that the move was a “no brainer” because the location of the planned US Embassy in Jerusalem is in a part of the city which has been under Israeli sovereignty since 1948.

 

“The deep commitment and friendship to the State of Israel transcend political differences,” said Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08).

 

Capitol Hill (Photo: AFP)
Capitol Hill (Photo: AFP)

 

Jerusalem Day marks the reunification of the city in the 1967 Six Day War.

 

Successive US administrations including Presidents Clinton Bush and Obama have repeatedly used the presidential waiver to delay moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, in accordance with a 1995 law which authorized the embassy's relocation but which gave the president the power to postpone its implementation every six months in the interests of national security.

 

The event, which was attended by dozens of lawmakers around the world, was broadcast simultaneously in parliaments in Europe and Jerusalem.

 

“Jerusalem is not just a place but an idea where we can unify people of all faiths and all backgrounds,” said MK Dov Lipman, who flew in from Jerusalem for the event. “We have made Jerusalem a place where everyone can worship openly.”

 

“No one can question the Israeli sovereignty of Jerusalem. Those who call into question this right also question the right of Israel to exist,” said Italian MEP Magdi Cristiano Allam, speaking in Sofia.

 

“We see that the issue of Jerusalem is not just a political issue but a Biblical issue as well,” said Josh Reinstein, Director of the Knesset’s Christian Allies Caucus in a video address from Jerusalem.

 

“We appreciate your tireless efforts to secure the future of Jerusalem and of the Jewish State," said Noam Katz, from the Embassy of Israel in Washington. “You are true and abiding friends who stand faithfully by our side. Your continued friendship inspires and sustains us.”

 

 

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פרסום ראשון: 06.05.13, 11:01
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