Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

JERUSALEM-Just prior to US President Donald Trump's whirlwind tour of Israel and the breathtaking and emotional 50th anniversary Jerusalem Day celebrations across the country, the staff of United with Israel, the world's largest grassroots pro-Israel movement, met with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to present him with the 'Jerusalem Declaration,' a historic book containing the names of over 500,000 individuals from around the world who recognize Jerusalem as both the eternal capital of the Jewish People and the undivided capital of the State of Israel.

Mayor Barkat, an outspoken proponent of maintaining Israeli sovereignty throughout all areas of Jerusalem, was very moved by the volume, a beautifully designed hardcopy version of United with Israel's ever-growing online petition, as he appreciated the powerful statement of grassroots support for a united Jerusalem.

"This declaration is a beautiful way of enabling people to show their love for our city. It's very original and it warms my heart," said Mayor Barkat as he studied the book. "I am grateful to United with Israel for helping Jerusalem lovers and supporters come together and show their commitment to the eternal, united and undivided capital of Israel and the heart and soul of the Jewish people."

With millions of supporters around the world, United with Israel promotes global unity with the nation and land of Israel by spreading the truth about Israel, highlighting the positive global impact of Israeli technological and medical advances, fighting media bias, the BDS movement and online incitement and initiating calls to action that turn its followers into advocates for Israel. Following their meeting with Mayor Barkat, UWI members hung a massive banner bearing the actual names of the Jerusalem Declaration's more than 500,000 supporters on the outer walls of Jerusalem and in several high-traffic locations throughout the Old City. The extraordinary sign, an impressive feat of Israeli technology and design that was produced using multiple specialized digital printing machines, encouraged dialogue among onlookers, including Israeli residents and active IDF soldiers, birthright groups, and tourists from around the world. The groups flocked to Hurva Square where United with Israel was displaying additional hardcopies of the Jerusalem Declaration and amassing additional signatures for the online petition.

"Jerusalem is our link to the past and our conduit to a bright future. It is our responsibility to spread the message that Jerusalem is simply non-negotiable and indivisible, and the outpouring of support that we saw here in Jerusalem and that we continue to see every day online gives me hope that we are truly making a difference," said Gerbitz.

In the two weeks since the hardcopy version of the Jerusalem Declaration was sent to print, online support has climbed to well over 540,000 signatures. To learn more about the initiative and sign the petition, please visit United with Israel's website or view the petition directly at http://www.JerusalemDeclaration.com.