Following Israel’s celebration of Jerusalem Day, a special tribute ceremony was held at the Knesset on Wednesday, attended by ambassadors from countries that have recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
The event, initiated by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP) and MK Dan Illouz, Chair of the Knesset’s Jerusalem Caucus, honored those who have shown unwavering support for Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem.
The gathering brought together diplomats from nations that have either officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel or relocated their embassies to the city.
Among the prominent attendees were senior Israeli officials, including the Speaker of the Knesset, the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage, Members of Knesset, the Mayor of Jerusalem, and city council members, along with leading representatives from both the business and public sectors.
During the ceremony, honorary certificates were presented to the ambassadors and diplomats in recognition of their countries’ significant contributions to Israel’s international standing.
Among the honorees was the incoming U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, along with the Ambassador of Argentina, who announced that Argentina’s embassy would officially relocate to Jerusalem in the coming year.
On Monday, at a special session in Jerusalem marking Jerusalem Day, the Cabinet approved a major initiative to support foreign nations in moving their embassies to the capital. The government pledged millions of shekels to assist countries willing to make the move, reinforcing international recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s seat of government.
Guatemala: Ambassador Ava Atzum Arévalo
Paraguay: Ambassador Alejandro Rubín Cymerman
Argentina: Ambassador Shimon Wahnish
Kosovo: Ambassador Ines Demiri
Honduras: Head of Embassy: Tesla Rebecca Flores Abadi
Czech Republic: Counsellor of Embassy Pavel Bobek
Chaim Silberstein, Chairman of the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP), stated:
“This event reflects our commitment to promoting Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on the international stage. It is an opportunity to honor those countries that have bravely stood by Israel and to strengthen our diplomatic and economic ties with them.”
MK Dan Illouz, Chair of the Jerusalem Caucus, said:
“In a world filled with historical distortions and political falsehoods, the countries that recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital are choosing truth. They are declaring that the Jewish people have a fundamental right to live with sovereignty in their ancestral homeland — and Jerusalem is the heart of that right. This Knesset tribute is both a gesture of thanks and a clear moral statement to the world.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana remarked:
“The Knesset is proud and honored to host this tribute event in recognition of the countries that have moved their embassies to Jerusalem — the eternal capital of the Jewish people for over 3,000 years. The bold steps taken by the leaders of these nations reflect not only historical justice but also a principled moral stance grounded in truth and peace.”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee shared:
“I pray that every nation will move its mission to Jerusalem — not for symbolic reasons, but because for 3,000 years this city has been the undisputed and eternal capital of the Jewish state. I tell people all the time: I would rather live in Jerusalem than in Washington any day of the year.”
Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion commented:
“Jerusalem is not only Israel’s capital — it is the spiritual capital of the Jewish people for over 3,000 years. The growing number of embassies choosing to establish themselves here is a moral and just step. In times of challenge, it becomes clear who stands with us. Together, we will continue to strengthen Jerusalem’s status as the united and eternal capital of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Special Envoy for Innovation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, added:
“Jerusalem is an international brand, and it is only right that we show appreciation to our friends around the world who have recognized it as Israel’s capital. This is not to be taken for granted — and we must continue to strengthen these partnerships, first and foremost, with our friends.”
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