This week a historic event took place in Yerushalayim. The United States officially opened their new embassy in Yerushalayim, solidifying its belief that Israel can choose its own capital city, which it has in Yerushalayim.
It was a joyous occasion as many dignitaries from Israel, the Unites States, and several other countries graced the festivities with their presence and kind wishes. Much well deserved credit was given to all those who facilitated bringing this promise and dream to fruition. Needless to say, the ultimate credit belongs to President Donald Trump who once again did the correct and courageous thing in the face of world opposition. The strength and courage of the American president is truly remarkable.
This historic event was preceded by another incredible act of courage and moral clarity on behalf of the president. Last week President Trump nullified the horrific Iran Nuclear Agreement. This agreement was by far the worst negotiated deal in recent memory. Some of its infamous pitfalls included the fact that Iran was allowed to continue with its ballistic-missile program, continue sponsoring terror around the world, including in the United States, require 24 days’ prior notice for all inspections, and some sites were excluded from inspection, and in 10 years Iran would be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. It’s not clear exactly what the United States got out of the deal other than a great deal of undue credit for the former all talk no action president.
Surely one can see the work of Hashem at play here, and things are happening very quickly. But I believe there is an important point that may have been overlooked. It is truly wonderful that the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and moved its embassy there. Seeing the fulfillment of the prophecies of how the nations of the world will ultimately recognize the eternal capital of the Jewish people is awe-inspiring. But we must remember and not lose focus as to why Yerushalayim is the eternal capital of Israel and the heartbeat of the Jewish people.
It is not because the state has chosen it. It is not because the Knesset is there, or the supreme court, or the president and prime minister’s residences are there. It is because that is where the Beis Hamikdash once stood and will stand again in the future. Ki mitziyon teitzei Torah. It was and will be the place where we came to connect with God and be spiritually uplifted by the site of the priestly kohanim performing the avoda. It was the place where the Sanhedrin sat. It was our spiritual nucleus.
World events are splashed across the headlines so we can contemplate them and understand the underlying message for all of us. This week Hashem sent us a very loud and clear message: Yerushalayim is your capital! Yearn for it. Desire it. Understand what Yerushalayim stands for, and what we are missing in these days of galus. Hashem placed the courage in the president of the United States to declare Yerushalayim as the capital of Israel so that we should remember our eternal capital and yearn and daven for its full return. May it happen speedily in our days, amen.