International MPs come to Jerusalem to stress its Jewish connection

"Since its reunification in 1967, the holy city has again become a magnet for visitors of all faiths and denominations."

By GIL HOFFMAN
Updated: OCTOBER 18, 2016 23:39
Former ambassador to the US Michael Oren (photo credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/ANNE MANDLEBAUM)
Former ambassador to the US Michael Oren
(photo credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/ANNE MANDLEBAUM)
More than 20 members of parliament from 17 countries are coming to Jerusalem on Wednesday for a three-day conference to affirm their support for the city as the eternal and undivided capital of the Jewish state.
The Israel Allies Foundation’s annual Jerusalem Chairman’s Conference is sponsored by the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). Topics to be discussed during the conference include delegitimization efforts against Israel, Palestinian incitement, and the fiftieth anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.
Lawmakers attending the conference come from such diverse countries as the Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, Spain, Switzerland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Malawi, South Africa, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Chile. Speakers will include former minister Gideon Sa’ar, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Michael Oren, and outgoing Foreign Ministry director-general Dore Gold, in his first public address since he quit last week.
Reacting to the UNESCO Jerusalem controversy, the parliamentarians will draft and sign a resolution declaring their support for Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel and formally submit it to Oren.
“For thousands of years Jerusalem has been one of the most special places on earth,” WJC President Ronald Lauder said. “Since its reunification in 1967, the holy city has again become a magnet for visitors of all faiths and denominations."
"The World Jewish Congress is proud to be a partner with the Israel Allies Foundation and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem."
“Together we are fortifying the bonds that unite us. In the face of a mounting threat by unrelenting and unscrupulous adversaries, our mutual embrace of Jerusalem, our love of Israel and our unshakable commitment to upholding our shared Judeo-Christian tradition is more important than ever.”
The MPs, who chair Israel Allies caucuses in their countries, will take a strategic, geopolitical tour of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas in Judea and Samaria, including Gush Etzion.
The tour will begin in Hebron, where the group will visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs.
“From Africa to Europe to South America, faith-based diplomacy has proven to be the only reliable and effective way to guarantee concrete political support for the State of Israel and its undivided capital, Jerusalem,” said Josh Reinstein, Israel Allies Foundation executive vice president.