President Trump’s important speech has caused shockwaves around the world. Jerusalem is once again at the center of worldwide controversy (but not for the last time – see Zechariah 12:2-3).
President Trump’s statement is similar to President Harry S. Truman’s declaration 70 years ago, when Truman recognized the State of Israel. Both men made their statements despite great opposition from other nations and from within their own governments.
Specific to moving the US embassy to Jerusalem per Trump’s statement – in 1995, the US Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Jerusalem Embassy Act, securing the funding for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. Further, the act also stated that Jerusalem is to remain an undivided city and for it to be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel. Notably, most US presidents since 1995 have promised their voters they would be the ones to finally carry this formal policy to action, but never did. Using a legal loophole in the 1995 act, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama failed to implement the decision, and signed a presidential waiver every six months for that purpose. By moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, President Trump simply carried out the policy stated in the act – finally. It should also be noted that on April 6 of this year, Russia recognized west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a statement that seemingly went un-noticed.
Reactions in the Middle East to President Trump’s statement range from enthusiasm and praise (at least in Israel) to frustration and rage. Many Israelis shrug their shoulders and say, “Yes, of course, Jerusalem is our eternal capital! Beginning in King David’s reign over 3,000 years ago and now again today, Jerusalem is the center of our government. Today, our national legislature, Prime Minister’s Office, Supreme Court, and all other central state institutions are in Jerusalem. Under the State of Israel, the holy sites in Jerusalem are open to all – Jews, Christians and Muslims – which was NOT the case previously.”
All the while, many others in the Middle East seem to be using Trump’s declaration as an excuse for violence. Truly, we can see how God is making Jerusalem “a cup of trembling unto all the people round about” (Zechariah 12:2).
In Psalm 122:6 Scripture urges us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Yeshua (Jesus) also commands us to proclaim the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).

For us at ONE FOR ISRAEL, we remain steadfast in our conviction that the peace we are to pray for is found in the Prince of Peace, Yeshua the Messiah. We are determined to bring this Gospel of peace to all in Israel and its surroundings, both Jews and Arabs, encouraging those in need, and training believers through our Bible college.

Most of all, we are eagerly awaiting the day when Jerusalem, its inhabitants, and all our people will cry out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”