This week past, amid great anticipation, President Donald Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel and committed to moving the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In his speech, the President made reference to the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. This act, Public Law 104-45, passed the Senate and the House on October 24, 1995 and became law on November 8th of the same year. Every six months since passing, all previous U.S. Presidents have signed a waiver deferring the enactment of the law and thereby refusing to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s Capitol or to put into motion the moving of the U.S. Embassy.
President Trump’s Speech
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Reaction
The following note was sent to the President:
Mr. President,
Thank you so very much for your courageous and RIGHT declaration concerning Jerusalem. By taking this historic stand, you have delivered on a promise made by American leaders where your predecessors have failed; namely in advancing the 1995 American Embassy Act.
Thank you for standing strong in the face of opposition to acknowledge an obvious reality both past and present concerning the right of the people of Israel to their ancestral capitol in Jerusalem.
Your actions on this day, December 6th, 2017 / Kislev 18, 5778 will be remembered along with President Truman’s similar stand in his quick recognition of the State of Israel nearly 7 decades ago.
On behalf of United Israel World Union, an organization founded in 1944, I want to thank you. We also wish you and your administration success in the future. It is my sincere belief that your support of Israel will bring blessings to the United States of America.
Much shalom and many blessings,
Ross K Nichols
Vice President
United Israel World Union
unitedisrael.org
In response, we received word that the message was being reviewed.