Administration

Kushner at embassy in Jerusalem: ‘When President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it’

President Trump’s adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, on Monday praised the president for delivering on a campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and held out hope for peace in the region.

“While presidents before him have backed down from their pledge to move the American Embassy once they were in office, this president delivered. Because when President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it,” Kushner said during remarks at the facility. 

{mosads}“Israel proves every day the boundless power of freedom. This land is the only land in the Middle East in which Jews, Muslims and Christians, and people of all faiths participate and worship freely according to their beliefs,” he continued. “Israel protects women’s rights, freedom of speech and the right of every individual to reach their God-given potential.”

Kushner, who has led the Trump administration’s efforts to facilitate peace between Israelis and Palestinians, went on to promote plans for brokering talks between the two factions. 

“We believe, it is possible for both sides to gain more than they give — so that all people can live in peace — safe from danger, free from fear and able to pursue their dreams,” Kushner said. “Jerusalem must remain a city that brings people of all faiths together.”

Trump, who announced in December that the U.S. would move the diplomatic post to the ancient city, delivered recorded remarks at the ceremony on Monday. 

“This city and this entire nation is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people,” Trump said. “The United States will always be a great friend of Israel.”

However, the move has been met with condemnation by Palestinians and many members of the international community, which views Tel Aviv as Israel’s capital. Palestinians, meanwhile, view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. 

The embassy’s opening was met with deadly protests on the Gaza border on Monday. 

At least 37 people have reportedly been killed and 1,000 wounded as Palestinians try to cross the border into Israel.