Ari Ballaban — In Conversation
JCRC Statement on US Government Recognition of Jerusalem
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Cincinnati appreciates the United States Government’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. Jerusalem has been the historical and spiritual center of the Jewish people for more than 3,000 years and the seat of the Government of Israel, including its parliament, courts, and prime minister, since the founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948. The Administration’s announcement recognizes this reality and the right of Israel, as a sovereign nation, to determine the location of its capital. By beginning preparation to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, the Administration has acted to implement the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act that was passed on a bipartisan basis by the United States Congress.
JCRC, the non-partisan public affairs arm of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, recognizes that the dispute between Israel and the Palestinians raises complex issues such as final borders that must ultimately be resolved by the parties themselves through negotiations. Today’s announcement does not alter this necessity. JCRC continues to support the vision of two states living side-by-side in peace, prosperity, and security, and we encourage the US Government to continue its efforts to bring the parties together for direct negotiations to achieve this goal. We sincerely hope that Jerusalem, as the home of three great religions, will indeed become the City of Peace.
