Below is the statement from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) on today's White House announcement on Jerusalem where President Trump signed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 into law
"In early December, the U.S. administration announced a plan to move the Embassy of the United States in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, honoring a bipartisan commitment made over 20 years ago in the Jerusalem Embassy Act. The U.S. administration also proclaimed its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The Jewish Federations of North America welcomes this decision, as it upholds our long-standing policy. We also welcome the affirmation of a two-state future negotiated between the parties in which Israelis and Palestinians live side by side with secure and recognized borders."
JFNA's predecessor organization first endorsed this legislation in 1994. Below is some additional background information.
Sincerely,
Jerry Silverman, President
Jewish Federation of North America
BACKGROUND
The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 is law. However, because presidents have claimed a waiver on the grounds of national security - the Act includes a provision that gives the president waiver authority to suspend the cutting of some funds to the State Department, as outlined in the text of the Act, "if he determines and reports to Congress in advance that such suspension is necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States" - the Act has yet to be implemented. Presidents have also thought the Act itself was a constitutional issue, viewing it as a congressional infringement on the executive branch's constitutional authority over foreign policy.
