US Embassy in Jerusalem

[Shavelly Then]

In 1995, Congress approved the funding and relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem, but the law included a stipulation, allowing for presidents to sign continuous waivers to stall the relocation. However,  23 years later every president elected since had used the 1995 waiver in an effort to avoid conflict with the peace negotiations. Today, the United States embassy in Jerusalem officially opened under the administration of President Trump. Former Sen. Joseph Lieberman has been one lonely Democrat to congratulate the president by saying, “I am grateful to President Trump for making this decision.” Nonetheless, not everyone is so happy with this decision especially Palestine. For this reason, Hamas a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization sent their supporters to protest at the Gaza border. As a consequence, over 770 were wounded from live gunfire. Many have accused Israel to be very drastic with the measures they took to protect their boarders, but what are the correct measures to take when 40,000 people are protesting in your border? I chose this article, because we are taking a democracy class and we have been talking about the importance of liberty and security. In my discussion board I explained how liberty cannot be efficient if a country does not provide security. In order for Jerusalem to finally be free and live their land in “peace” they have put security as a priority. As a Christian, I believe that Israel is the city of God and countries who bless it will be blessed in return by the Lord.

[Sydnee Mulherin]

This issue is one that has been very prevalent in the news lately and has been a center point for the Trump administration since Trump was elected into office. It has been interesting to hear the different responses on both foreign and domestic fronts. The most concerning part of this event was the violent protest that were occurring in response to the opening of the U.S. Embassy. There is a clear indication of the political tension that is occurring within Israel and this occurrence, though seemingly small, seemed to cause catastrophic effects. It breaks my heart to hear about the people whose lives were taken in the protesting. As believers, there must be a burden in our hearts for those who do not know the Lord. The people who were fighting against the actions of redeclaring the capital of Israel are most likely those who have never called on the name of the Lord. It is important that we be in prayer for unbelievers in Israel as well as for our brothers and sisters living in those countries. Although I do not have a strong political stance on this issue, I know that the Lord is sovereign and has His hand in everything that happens within our country. 

Thank you for sharing this issue! I enjoyed reading your comments and discussing the importance of political situations going beyond the borders of the United States.