The Orthodox Union is unwavering in its support for keeping Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish State, firmly united. As an open city, both Jewish and Arab residents must be permitted to legally live and work wherever they wish. The unfortunate objections by the U.S. to the private and legal construction project at the site of the abandoned Shepherd Hotel lies in stark contrast to the non-discriminatory laws under which Israel and the City of Jerusalem are governed. No government of Israel has ever advocated for an inappropriate discriminatory policy that would prevent Jerusalem from realizing its full potential. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government cannot be expected to stop a private construction project in violation of the law or restrict the areas in which Jews may live, particularly in Jerusalem.

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