The Israeli government considers the move of embassies to Jerusalem a fair and just step, according to Meir Porush, minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Heritage
On Wednesday, Israeli officials and ambassadors from several countries gathered at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, for the Jerusalem Embassy Tribute Ceremony in Jerusalem to commemorate Jerusalem Day.
The event, organized by the Katz Center for Applied Politics and the Knesset’s Jerusalem Caucus, honored countries that have already moved their embassies to Israel’s capital and those that plan to do the same.
“Jerusalem is not just a date on the calendar.
It is proof that the Jewish people have returned to their land, are united in their capital and are determined to remain here forever,” said Likud MP Dan Illouz during the opening of the event.
Illouz stressed that recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is not just a political gesture, but an acceptance of reality.
“In a world where recognizing the truth requires courage, we thank the countries that made this choice,” he said.
He also mentioned the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which revealed the group’s intention to take over Jerusalem, a city of great symbolic, religious and national importance to Jews.
“Jerusalem is the heart of the Jewish people, the capital of our country, the symbol of our sovereignty and the center of our faith.
We will never give up Jerusalem,” Illouz said.
Currently, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay have embassies in Jerusalem.
Argentina and Fiji have also promised to open their representations in the city.
Former US President Donald Trump’s decision in 2018 to move the US embassy to Jerusalem paved the way for other countries to do the same.
“Jerusalem is the undivided capital of the Jewish State of Israel.
I am proud to represent President Trump here,” said U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who received a certificate of appreciation at the ceremony.
“Trump has kept a promise that other American presidents have only made.
He told me it was the right thing to do,” Huckabee added.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said hosting the conference honoring the countries that have moved their embassies to Jerusalem is a source of pride.
He described the city as “the eternal capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years.” According to Ohana, the decision by the countries is an act of historic justice and a moral stand that reinforces the values “”of truth and peace.
Ohana also thanked Trump for leading the movement and called on other nations to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, especially at a time when the country is facing conflict.
“Israel is fighting against forces that threaten the free world.
Recognizing Jerusalem is supporting that cause,” he said.
This year’s Jerusalem Day commemorated the 58th anniversary of the city’s reunification, which occurred during the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel also liberated the regions of Judea and Samaria.
“Jerusalem is not only the capital by law, but the heart of the Jewish nation.
It is the place where the Holy Temple once stood, where we direct our prayers three times a day.
In moments of joy, we celebrate Jerusalem, but we also carry the sadness of our history,” explained Porush.
He reinforced Israel’s commitment to helping open new embassies in the city to strengthen its international recognition.
One of the highlights of Jerusalem Day is the Flag March, an annual parade through the streets of the capital.
Despite the ongoing war with Hamas, the march followed its traditional route, starting from the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, passing through the Damascus Gate in the Old City, and ending at the Western Wall.
Young people waving Israeli flags and singing national songs were present, with security forces closely monitoring the area to prevent tensions in areas close to Muslim neighborhoods.
On Monday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount to celebrate Jerusalem Day.
He prayed for victory in the war, the return of hostages and the success of the new head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s intelligence service.
Ben-Gvir was accompanied by other politicians, including Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and MP Yitzhak Kroizer.
MP Zvi Sukkot also visited the site and posted a video declaring: “The Temple Mount is in our hands.”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion stressed that the city has been the spiritual center of the Jewish people for 3,000 years.
“The fact that more embassies are being established here is a fair step.
In difficult times, we know who is on our side.
We will continue to strengthen Jerusalem as the united and eternal capital of Israel,” he said.
Published in 05/28/2025 23h23
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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