The American embassy in Tel Aviv

Pro-Israel Groups Slam Trump over Embassy Move

from the Algemeiner by Barney Breen-Portnoy:

A number of pro-Israel groups in the US have expressed disappointment over President Donald Trump’s decision to sign a waiver on Thursday that delayed the potential move of the American Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by at least another six months.

“We are certain that the Trump administration is very well aware that no Israeli prime minister will ever cede sovereignty over Jerusalem,” Rabbis Marvin Hier and Abraham Cooper — the dean and associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center — stated. “The city is and will remain the undivided capital of Israel.”

“Next week’s 50th anniversary of the reunification of the city during the June 1967 Six-Day War marks a half-century of full access to holy sites of all faiths in the Old City, a fact that should be acknowledged and celebrated by religious leaders of all Abrahamic faiths.”

Christians United for Israel (CUFI) issued a statement with similar sentiments, saying, “The president knows that Jerusalem is the eternal and undivided capital of Israel and we strongly believe that the location of our embassy should reflect that reality.” CUFI noted it remained “hopeful” Trump would ultimately “fulfill his campaign pledge” and relocate the embassy to Jerusalem.

Senator Charles Schumer of New York — the Democratic minority leader — stated he believed Jerusalem was the “undivided capital of Israel” and asked, “Will those who criticized [former] President [Barack] Obama for not moving the embassy make their voices just as loud and just as strong when it comes to President Trump’s failure to move the embassy?”

Meanwhile, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said, “I regret President Trump’s decision to sign the waiver but am certain that he will keep his word and bring the US embassy to its rightful place — Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. I will continue to provide assistance to the US administration and do all I can to ensure that the relocation happens as soon as possible.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also commented on Trump’s action, saying, “Israel’s consistent position is that the American embassy, like the embassies of all countries with whom we have diplomatic relations, should be in Jerusalem, our eternal capital.”

“Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem,” the statement continued. “Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate today’s expression of President Trump’s friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future.”

10 Comments

  • DeClasse' Intellectual

    Understand that the issue is that Trump is using this to push peace talks; if Abbass does not cooperate, then Trump takes the next step

  • To #1

    I don’t mean this to be offensive but I’ve never laughed so hard at one naïveté. Do you seriously believe that?

  • Earliest Trump fan

    I’m so glad people aren’t blindly following him anymore. I supported him gladly during entire primary and general, less than pleased with his presidency though he’s better than Hillary. People have to look at his actions, not his words. He’s the world’s best salesman so always look at his deeds, not words

  • The Rebbe's POV

    The Rebbe gave instructions to bring stability to Eretz Yisroel.
    Of all the things the Rebbe said, he did not mention the US Embassy moving to Yerushalaim. It is a distraction from what has to be done for the security of Jewish life in Eretz Yisroel.

    Abbas was at the meeting in Saudi Arabia where Trump insisted that countries drive out terrorists. He has said that the so-called Palestinians have to recognize the right of the Jewish state to exist and they must reform their education system by taking out all the hostility towards Jews.

    Some Jews seem to think Trump should be held to standards as if he is Moshiach. He is not. But he is doing a good job and we should be supportive of him in the face of all the media hostility towards him.

    I don’t like this headline. “Jewish Groups Bash…” The same Jewish groups that are quiet when their voice is needed to save Jews… bash a supporter of Jews. Trump needs support in the media – not more bashers.

    • ahavas yisroel

      Don’t forget basic morality, sheva mitzvos….these are things Trump supporters left behind because he said tough ‘stuff’ before going off to the next golf course

  • ahavas yisroel

    Trump is just another politician that makes promises he can’t keep in order to get elected. Doesn’t mean he is going to be Obama but don’t expect much from him.

  • thank you number 6

    I agree with you. The safety of our people is what’s important. How does the embassy’s move to Yerushalyim guarantee safety?
    When Moshiach comes.. may it be before you finish reading this! all this will be a non issue.. Our concern should be saving lives and continuing to do as many good deeds as possible.