Jerusalem, the “city of peace,” has been the most treasured city of the Jewish people for centuries. However, until 1967, Jews were barred from entering the city and visiting their holiest sites. When Israel miraculously won the Six Day War, Jerusalem was reunited under Israel’s sovereignty. Since then, people of all faiths and backgrounds have been able to visit their holy sites freely.

The newest holiday on the Hebrew calendar, Yom Yerushalayim—Jerusalem Day—commemorates this magnificent moment. Many Jews in Israel show solidarity with their most precious city by making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 

It has become a recognised celebration within the Jewish state. It is common to quote Psalm 122:3 on Jerusalem Day which refers to Jerusalem as a “city that is bound firmly together” (ESV)—in other words, a united city. 

The annual celebratory parade through the streets is not going ahead this year due to the COVID-19 social distancing measures, however authorities have granted permission for a 700-person prayer chain around the Old City. Remember, the Bible says that God has set watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem (Isaiah 62:6). We may not be present to encircle Jerusalem with our prayers today, but each one of us are called to constantly pray for the “peace of Jerusalem” and “seek [its] good” (Psalm 122, verses 6 and 9).

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, past, present and future. We believe that Great Britain should acknowledge this fact by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move its embassy there.

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We call upon the UK Government to officially recognise Jerusalem is Israel's capital and move its embassy to Jerusalem.