Today is a celebration of 70 years of Israel becoming a modern nation on May 14, 1948. This has been an important global development, as this persecuted ethnic group needs a land and a national identity. The six million lost souls of the holocaust demanded that the Jews have a geographic home for protection, cultural development, and religious freedom.

In these last 70 years Israel has been a positive global force of democratic values, technological progress, religious pluralism, and frequent times of global cooperation for peace.

Today, President Trump’s administration finalized a courageous and appropriate step to establish the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, instead of Tel Aviv.  This steps further supports the nation of Israel, which has been an incredible ally to the United States in the middle of the most volatile region of the world.

I grieve the loss of Palestinians who are losing their lives in protest of today’s events.  I pray for their welfare and for peace.  Yet, I believe the support of a strong Israel will lead to the peace that the world desires and needs.