Together

“We’re all in this together” – to quote from the last scene in High School Musical.

And from a more lofty source, “Oh magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3)

Jerusalem was treated to a special showing of unity and friendship when Congressman DeSantis’ Oversight Subcommittee on National Security arrived for a lighting-quick visit this week. He led a delegation that analyzed the move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, both on the ground and in the eyes of Israel’s leadership. The Prime Minister told them he would be thrilled to see the embassy move to Jerusalem. The sites they saw were ready to be transformed and to right the wrong of having Israel the only country where the US Embassy is not in the country’s own chosen capital city.

I’m sure you caught this issue in the news this week. Journalists from every outlet imaginable overwhelmed us with their attention, coming to hear the delegation’s conclusions and message back home.

Congressman DeSantis, Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, briefs international media in Jerusalem

But a message that may have been filtered by the media was the very sincere desire to connect with Israel, to send us a message of unity and solidarity. This was a clear signal that Congress is involved and supportive, hopeful that the new Administration will keep its word and urging a speedy decision.

Actually all it takes is a decision NOT to sign the waiver that is slated to come across President Trump’s desk on June 1. That will allow the 1995 Embassy Act to take effect, and from there its just a matter of changing the sign over the door, from ‘Consulate’ to ‘Embassy’, in Jerusalem’s Arnona-neighborhood US building.

We are truly in this together – and we appreciate the strong support coming out of Congress. We hope you are able to educate your peers and constituents to the fact that Israel is your strongest, most critical ally in this part of the world and that it is ok to entrust us with the task of looking out for our security and prosperity. This embassy move is a step that the US can take in a simple and subtle manner, without fanfare perhaps, for in the long run a recognized Jerusalem as capital is what we all want to achieve quickly.

See you all here in June?