WJC President Lauder welcomes US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

NEW YORK – World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s announcement officially recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, his expressed commitment to reaching a mutually agreed upon two-state solution, and respecting the importance of holy sites for all three religions.

“President Trump has taken a critical and courageous step today in recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to a mutually agreed upon two-state solution. Jerusalem is the indisputable capital of Israel and the historic capital of the Jewish people. We hope that the US’ clear declaration to this effect, and its reiteration that this has long been its policy, sends a strong message to the international community of this truth.

“The World Jewish Congress fully supports the US position that a peaceful solution to the longstanding conflict must be mutual, and we have affirmed this position in our organizational resolutions and advocacy on the international stage. 

“As President Trump so rightfully said, Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all of whom deserve to have their religious sites and historical connection respected. Israel has demonstrated its commitment to that ideal for the past 50 years.

“President Trump is a true friend of the Jewish people and we deeply appreciate his call for calm. We hope that this declaration will be the beginning of a fresh political process and a move toward peace and stability in the Middle East.”