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Jewish organizations cheer the embassy move

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Agudath Israel of America

Today, with the opening of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem, we witnessed a promise kept. This historic event was a reflection of the will of the American people, as strongly expressed by a bipartisan Congress. And, the decision to move the American embassy to Jerusalem was the result of President Trump’s bold leadership and his clear understanding, as was so often emphasized today, that it was the right thing to do — that it was the “truth.”

 Indeed, the quest for peace can only be based on a foundation of truth. Proposals that ignore or deny the realities of today’s Middle East are doomed to failure and will never provide a productive path forward.

One such undeniable reality is that Jerusalem is — and always will be — Israel’s capital. Nations that refuse to acknowledge that fact are simply perpetuating an illusion and providing an excuse for Israel’s adversaries not to make peace and to continue warfare and terror. Moreover, by not recognizing that Israel has the right that all nations enjoy in selecting its capital city, they are projecting the image that Israel is something “less than sovereign,” something “less than a nation.” Peace can never be built on that foundation.

AIPAC

It is particularly fitting that this historic event occurs as Israel celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding. America was the first nation to recognize the independence of the Jewish state, and it is particularly appropriate that our country is once again taking the initiative to strengthen our relationship with Israel and its standing in the world.

We urge other nations to follow the Unites States’ lead and also locate their embassies in Israel’s capital.

Israelis and Palestinians agreed in the Oslo Accords that Jerusalem is a final status issue, and such actions do not preclude future negotiations over Jerusalem’s status. Further, strengthening diplomatic ties with the Jewish state advances the cause of peace and facilitates access to Israel’s extraordinary technological and life-saving innovations benefiting people throughout the world.

American Jewish Congress

The AJC applauds the U.S. administration for courageously enacting its historic commitment to relocating the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Israel’s rightful capital of Jerusalem.

In the space of one week, America has twice reiterated its faith in Israel’s legitimacy, in words and deeds, and in doing so, it has set an important precedent for other states to follow. American Jewry is proud to have a government that is committed to standing with Israel and in defense of its rights like all sovereign nations.”

Israel President Rivlin

The Israeli people thank you (President Trump) for keeping your word, for your courage and determination, and for your firm, unwavering stand alongside the State of Israel. We hope and expect that other nations will follow your path.”

 We will continue to safeguard Jerusalem, as the city of peace, as a city home to all those of faith. A city of all its residents and citizens, of all religions and communities, who share together, one city, which is so greatly loved.

American Zionist Movement

Today, the work and aspirations of American Zionists are fulfilled with the official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and its manifestation embodied in the opening of the American Embassy in the eternal capital city of the Jewish People. As American Zionists, the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is a foundational issue we have long worked toward and sought to achieve by a United States administration. …

As we applaud this long delayed step by our country we call on all other nations that have diplomatic relations with Israel to now recognize and relocate their embassies to Jerusalem, which is the duly designated capital of the State of Israel.

The name of Jerusalem, in Hebrew, means “city of peace.” As Jerusalem is home to, and holy to, people of many faiths, the city must now become the “crossroads of peace.” This can be achieved when all the nations of the world gather in Jerusalem for peace and diplomacy.

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu 

What a glorious day. Remember this moment. This is history. President Trump, by recognizing history, you have made history. All of us are deeply moved. All of us are deeply grateful. …

 For me this spot brings back personal memories, but for our people, it evokes profound collective memories of the greatest moments we have known on this City on a Hill.

 In Jerusalem, Abraham passed the greatest test of faith and the right to be the father of our nation.

 In Jerusalem, King David established our capital three thousand years ago.

 In Jerusalem, King Solomon built our Temple, which stood for many centuries.

 In Jerusalem, Jewish exiles from Babylon rebuilt the Temple, which stood for many more centuries.

 In Jerusalem, the Maccabees rededicated that Temple and restored Jewish sovereignty in this land.

 And it was here in Jerusalem some 2,000 years later, that the soldiers of Israel spoke three immortal words, “Har ha’bayit be’yadeinu,” — “the Temple Mount is in our hands” — words that lifted the spirit of the entire nation.

We are in Jerusalem and we are here to stay. …

Over a century ago, the Balfour Declaration recognized the right of the Jewish people to a national home in this land. And exactly 70 years ago today, President Truman became the first world leader to recognize the newborn Jewish state. Last December, President Trump became the first world leader to recognize Jerusalem as our capital. And today, the United States of America is opening its embassy right here in Jerusalem. …

Truth and peace are interconnected. A peace that is built on lies will crash on the rocks of Middle Eastern reality. You can only build peace on truth, and the truth is that Jerusalem has been and will always be the capital of the Jewish people, the capital of the Jewish state. …

The prophet, Zechariah, declared over 2,500 years ago, “So said the Lord, ‘I will return to Zion and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth.”

World Jewish Congress

The World Jewish Congress is proud to witness this critical moment in history, and deeply appreciates the strong message that the United States is sending to the international community of the indisputable truth of the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. This is a precedent worthy of emulation, and we hope to see more of Israel’s allies follow suit.

Thank you, President Trump.