‘’It is time for the whole world to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of the State of Israel. De Facto, not just De Jure,” said Israeli President Reven Rivlin as he received the diplomatic credentials of the new US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman.

He added during a ceremony at the President’s residence in Jerusalem, “Next week, we will celebrate 50 years since Jerusalem was united, and the Jewish people were able to once again pray at the Western Wall. But Jewish Jerusalem is not 50 years old. Since the days of King David, this city has been our capital.’’

Rivlin said that Israel was looking forward to welcoming President Trump in less than a week. ‘’His visit is very important. It is a sign of the unbreakable bond between Israel and the USA. We look forward to working with the new Administration to find new ways and to think of new ideas, of how to move forward and build trust between Israelis and Palestinians.”

The President stressed, “I want to also express my appreciation for the strong example America set in taking action against the terrible crimes being committed in Syria, and added, “You showed that red lines cannot be crossed. The whole free world has a duty to the Syrian people, to end the humanitarian nightmare. Israel is proud of all the medical care we give to the injured. As long as there is a need, we will continue.”

In his statement, the new US ambassador said that President Trump has chosen Israel as the site for his first international visit. ‘’His love for and commitment to the State of Israel is rock-solid and it enjoys his highest priority,” he added.

He told the President that, “As a seventh generation Jerusalemite, you continue the connection to Jerusalem that began with King David some 3000 years ago.”

“Serving the US as its Ambassador to the State of Israel, is the greatest honor of my life, and I pledge to you to do all that I can to strengthen and enhance the relations between our two great nations – that you accurately described as unbreakable and, I would add, without limits.”

EJP