​(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)

President Rivlin this evening (Wednesday, 6 December 2017), made the following statement in response to the announcement by President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump.
 
President 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’.”