[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING JERUSALEM AS ISRAEL'S UNDIVIDED CAPITAL

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                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 1997

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution calling 
upon the Clinton administration to publicly reaffirm as United States 
policy that Jerusalem remain the undivided capital of Israel and 
congratulate the residents of Jerusalem and all of Israel on the 30th 
anniversary of the city's reunification. Two years ago, Congress 
overwhelmingly passed the Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act of 1995. 
This historical legislation marked the first time that United States 
policy recognized Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, and 
that the United States Embassy be established in the city no later than 
May 1999. Today, I rise to commend the House on its most recent vote on 
this issue. Yesterday, by an overwhelming majority, the House passed 
House Concurrent Resolution 60 expressing the sense of Congress that 
Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel and urging the Clinton 
administration to publicly affirm it. I wholeheartedly embrace this 
resolution.
  It is imperative that the United States Government adopt a strong 
public policy affirming that an undivided Jerusalem must remain the 
capital of Israel, in support of the only democratically elected 
government, and America's strongest ally in the Middle East. There are 
good political reasons why the administration should adopt this 
congressional mandate as U.S. policy. More importantly, there are 
significant religious, historical, and moral reasons why Jerusalem must 
remain the undivided capital of Israel.
  Jerusalem is the center of Jewish identity and worship and has been 
since King David made it his capital 3,000 years ago. Throughout that 
history, the Jewish people have been faithful stewards of the city of 
Jerusalem, keeping it safe and open to people of all faiths. So deep is 
the connection to Jerusalem that almost every piece of Jewish 
literature--from ancient prayers to modern stories--speaks to 
Jerusalem's religious and cultural significance.
  Only once ion its history has Jerusalem been divided--from 1948 to 
1967. Barb wire and mine fields split the city, Jews were forbidden 
access to the sacred holy sites of Judaism, synagogues were demolished, 
and gravestones were torn up. Today, all Christians, Muslims, and Jews 
are allowed unrestricted access to their holy sites and the Israeli 
Government remains committed to preserving the peaceful coexistence 
between the diverse religious faiths which live side by side in the 
city.
  Jerusalem has been Israel's capital since the rebirth of the state. 
Even with the city divided, Jerusalem was dedicated as the capital in 
1948. For more than four decades, the offices of Israel's President and 
Prime Minister, the Knesset, and most government ministries have been 
located in Jerusalem.
  We cannot ignore the challenge that has been placed before us if we 
are to see Israel survive as a free and flourishing state. We must back 
up our good intentions with action. Congress must ensure that adequate 
funds are made available to facilitate the eventual move of the United 
States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This will send a message to 
our allies and foes alike that the United States will not stand for a 
divided Jerusalem and a war-torn Israel. I urge my colleagues to 
support Jerusalem's rightful place in the world as the capital of 
Israel.

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