JVP Responds to Trump's Announcement of Jerusalem As Israel's Capital and Plan To Move U.S. Embassy

Jewish Voice for Peace unequivocally condemns President Trump's announcement that he will begin the process of moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem as part of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a move that would make the U.S. the only country in the world to do so. This move is counter to international law and is a clear attempt by Israel and the U.S. to consolidate Israeli annexation of land. This move is reckless, endangering the lives of Palestinians and Israelis on the ground.

Since Israel unilaterally annexed the eastern half of Jerusalem in 1967, the international community has considered it to be occupied territory. By recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Trump is endorsing Israeli policies of dispossession and forcible transfer, further harming the rights and lives of Palestinians and crushing any hope for a peace based on equality and freedom for everyone in the region.

Jerusalem is home to people of multiple faiths and religions, including almost 40 percent of whom are Palestinian. This move irrevocably demonstrates that the U.S. and Israel are colluding to violate the rights of Palestinians and sabotage any real possibility for an equitable agreement.

Rebecca Vilkomerson, JVP Executive Director:

For seventy years, the US has given Israel tacit approval to steal Palestinian land, build illegal Jewish settlements, and deny Palestinians in East Jerusalem and elsewhere their rights. The Trump-Netanyahu alliance takes these ongoing policies to the next level and is reckless, irresponsible and endangers the lives of Palestinians and Israelis.

Rabbi Alissa Wise, JVP Deputy Director:

Jerusalem is a symbol of holiness and hope for many people of many religions the world over. Beginning the process of moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem not only flies in the face of the international legal consensus, but also furthers the agenda of those who seek to re-cast a struggle for land, rights and sovereignty into a religious conflict.