“Naming this square … is our way of showing our love and respect for the president and the American people, who always stand by the side of Israel,” Barkat stated.
By: United with Israel Staff
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announced that he has decided to dedicate the square adjacent to the new embassy in the capital as the “United States Square in honor of President Donald Trump”.
The municipality plans to inaugurate the new square in the coming months with representatives of the US government, following the US Embassy move, which is slated for next week.
Barkat stated Tuesday that “President Trump has decided to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish people, to stand on the side of the truth, and to do the right thing. Naming this square in honor of the president is our way of showing our love and respect for the president and the American people, who always stand by the side of Israel.”
This announcement comes a day after Barkat affixed the first street sign pointing to the new home of the US Embassy in Jerusalem.
The embassy is slated to officially open on May 14, just days after Israel celebrates the 51st anniversary of the Six Day War and the reunification of Israel’s capital. The ceremony will also mark the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence on the Gregorian calendar.
A 250-person American delegation, including 40 leaders and politicians, will arrive in Israel to attend the US’ dedication of its new embassy in Jerusalem.
The United States currently operates its Jerusalem consulate in Arnona. The new embassy will operate out of that space temporarily, and is expected to complete construction of additional office space at the compound to meet its needs. Israel announced previously that it had expedited the construction permits necessary for the embassy to open in time for the event
A brand-new embassy complex will be constructed in the coming years.
The US embassy move from Tel Aviv represents the culmination of Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and paves the way for other countries who intend to move their embassies to Israel’s capital.