2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

WHY ISRAEL MATTERS
An Ancient Capital is Reestablished
The new modern State of Israel established its capital in Jerusalem, the holiest city of the Jewish
people that has served as its spiritual and religious capital for 3,000 years. Today, Jerusalem is
Israel’s largest city—not a “settlement,” as the
Palestinians and others charge—and a dynamic
and multicultural metropolis. Congress has
regularly recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
in various resolutions and law.
King David established the city as the capital
of ancient Israel, and his son Solomon built the
First Jewish Temple on what became known
as the Temple Mount. This Temple became the
focal point of ancient Judaism, drawing religious
pilgrims from throughout the region. There are
more than 850 references to Jerusalem in the
Israel protects and guarantees access to Christian, Muslim and Jewish holy sites located inside the ancient walls of
Jerusalem’s Old City.
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