Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein on Sunday sent an official letter to dozens of his fellow parliamentarians around the world, calling on them to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Edelstein wrote to his colleagues around the world, "President Trump announced last week that the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and that preparations are under way to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.”
“This is a just step, which is consistent with historical documentation. For three thousand years Jerusalem has been the political capital and spiritual center of the Jewish people. Here David established his kingdom, and here Solomon built the Temple, the focal point of the prayers of the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora," he continued.
"Today Jerusalem is a sacred city for three major religions, and it has a large and diverse population, which represents the city's long history. Jerusalem, whose holy sites are open by law to every person, believers and non-believers alike, is a modern city with a strong bond to its glorious past,” wrote Edelstein.
The Knesset Speaker further noted that Jerusalem is the only capital that the State of Israel has had since its establishment some 70 years ago, and that its status is fixed in legislation. "Moreover," he added, "the city is where the Israeli government is located, is the home of most of the national institutions and is the center of diplomatic activity in the country. This is a reality that the international community has chosen to ignore."
Edelstein further said that "President Trump's statement provides an opportunity to open a new chapter in the attitude of the international community to this special city. I urge you, as the speaker of your country's parliament, to act in your sphere of activity to recognize the historical truth. I ask you to support the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by your country and by the international community."