June 05, 2017

Manchin Cosponsors Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Unification of Jerusalem

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) cosponsored a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Unification of Jerusalem (S. Res 176).  

“The Unification of Jerusalem in 1967 is a significant event in the history of the State of Israel,” Senator Manchin said. “That year became a pivotal moment for the holy city of Jerusalem as the State of Israel abolished laws of religious persecution and allowed the city to become a home for people of all religions to freely exercise their faith. I am proud to join my colleagues in cosponsoring a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Unification of Jerusalem. This resolution reaffirms the unwavering support for one of our greatest allies by recognizing Jerusalem, a united city in which all religions are respected and valued, as the capital of the State of Israel. Not only does this resolution continue to declare a strong show of support for one of our greatest friends and their commitment to the free exercise of all religions but it affirms that peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through direct, bilateral negotiations.”

"For the Jewish people, Jerusalem is our most sacred location, the spiritual capital of both the ancient and now the modern State of Israel. Jerusalem is the cultural and religious center of our faith and we are privileged to be born in a generation that has seen Jerusalem reunited and rebuilt. I am grateful to Senator Joe Manchin and the Senate for reaffirming our connection to that Holy City and for its unwavering support for the Jewish state and the strong US/Israel friendship,” said Rabbi of the B'nai Jacob Synagogue, Victor Urecki. 

S. Res. 176 reaffirms the United States’ longstanding policy, under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, that Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel and a united city in which all religious faiths are respected and protected. The resolution reaffirms the Senate’s support for Israel’s commitment to religious freedom and support in strengthening the mutually beneficial American-Israeli relationship.

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