Walls of Jerusalem
Walls of JerusalemDavid Tzafarti

Israeli politicians welcomed US President Donald Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely said, “Today marks a historic day. We welcome the courageous and just decision made by our friend, the United States by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”

“For 3000 years Jerusalem is the heart and soul of the Jewish people.

"And this decision is reflecting a historical truth and a reality. We would like to say that this decision is opening a new chapter of the international community recognizing Jerusalem.

"I really hope more countries will follow and will adopt this important decision.”

Israel’s Ambassador to the US Danny Danon said, We welcome this courageous decision by President Trump. In 1948, President Truman was the first world leader to recognize the State of Israel and today President Trump righted an historic wrong by recognizing Jerusalem as our capital.”

“Now is the time for all UN member-states to follow the lead of our American friends and recognize our ancient capital of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.”

Zionist Union Chairman Avi Gabbay said, “Jerusalem has been a symbol for the Jewish people for thousands of years.”

“After 70 years of existence of the State of Israel, I am glad that our important friend, the United States, recognizes Jerusalem as our capital and is preparing to transfer the embassy.”

President Reuven Rivlin said, “I congratulate President Donald Trump on his announcement of US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and on the expected move of the American Embassy to Jerusalem. There is no more fitting or beautiful gift, as we approach 70 years of the State of Israel’s independence.”

He added, “After the jubilee - fifty years after the reunification of the city - the time has come to bring tranquility to Jerusalem, and to see hope blossom in the capital of Israel, the place where pilgrims come from around the world. For thousands of years the Jewish people have looked up to Jerusalem, and prayed, and dreamed of the city.

"The recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and the relocation of all embassies to the city, is a landmark in the recognition of the right of the Jewish people to our land, and a milestone on our road to peace - peace for all the residents of Jerusalem, and the whole region.

“Jerusalem has many faces - it is a holy city and a modern city, which allows freedom of religion for all faiths. A city of history and of innovation, a microcosm of all our abilities to live together.

President Rivlin stressed, “Jerusalem is not, and never will be, an obstacle to peace for those who want peace. As it is written, ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may all that love her prosper, may there be peace in her quarters and palaces’.”