Recently reflecting on his first year in office, President Trump stated that his official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was, to date, the pinnacle of his presidency. It is the common-sense recognition of reality. Jerusalem has served as Israel’s capital for over 3,000 years, since the time of King David. In terms of today’s functional reality, Jerusalem serves as Israel’s capital. There is nothing to debate here. Every other country freely chooses its capital city. Nations then recognize that city and place their embassies there.

Recognizing Israel as a sovereign country with its capital at Jerusalem was not only a Godly thing to do, but also sent a no-nonsense message to detractors that a sovereign America determines its own future and the status of its international relations. This nation’s sovereignty is crucial for maintaining its freedoms. The advocacy for globalism is the advocacy for totalitarianism.

The proclamation to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem ended the charade that a unified Jerusalem is not legitimately a part of a legitimate Israel. Jerusalem was never and will never be the capital of a “Palestinian” state. Propagandizing claims of exclusive Arab ownership of the city are historically invalid. During President Clinton’s administration, both the House and Senate passed the “Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995” to move America’s embassy to the Israeli capital. Yet for over 20 years, in submission to outside pressures, American presidents have, every six months, signed waivers refusing to do so.

This decision was not only an act of political bravery, but also one of moral courage. It was a monumental step forward, cementing the bond between two nations with a special relationship. What a difference a presidential election can make.

Kent Larson

Stewartville