In keeping with the OU’s unique role within the broader pro-Israel community, our policy positions and our constituency’s concerns, we have worked with key allies in Congress to introduce a resolution marking the thirty-ninth anniversary of the reunification of the city of Jerusalem, in time for Yom Yerushalayim which will be observed around the world this year on Friday, May 26.

The resolution, H. Con. Res. 412, was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV) along with twenty other original co-sponsors. It congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 39th anniversary of the reunification of the city; reaffirms Congress’ strongly held belief that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city and the capital of the State of Israel; mentions the law signed by President Bush two years ago that directs the Secretary of State to record the place of birth of a US citizen born in Jerusalem as “Israel”; and calls upon the President to discontinue the waiver contained in the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and begin the process of relocating the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

We are working toward having a companion resolution introduced and passed this week in the Senate as well.

With Prime Minister Olmert scheduled to address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, the bill is an appropriate way of demonstrating that America’s support for Israel with an undivided Jerusalem as its capital is stronger than ever. We thank Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Berkley, along with the other co-sponsors, for their leadership on this issue and are looking forward to passing the resolution later this week.