Rabbi Jonathan Bernis, CEO of Jewish Voice Ministries International based in Phoenix, has commended Donald Trump for doing what past Presidents promised but never delivered: Recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“Many people are reacting to this breaking news story with confusion. They had assumed Jerusalem was the capital of Israel,” Bernis said.

“Why wouldn’t they? The Israeli national Legislature, the Knesset, meets there. A resolution passed by the U.S. Congress earlier this year recognizes Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. The platforms of both major U.S. political parties state the same.”

Additionally, President Trump said on Wednesday that the U.S. Embassy in Israel will be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. While this is stirring even more concern, Bernis says it is also the right thing to do.

“We made a decision as a country to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move our Embassy there way back in 1995. Since then, for more than 20 years now, each President has always signed a delay order every six months.”

“President Trump did not decide to move the embassy today. He decided not to sign the delay order any longer. So this is a huge day for America, and I believe it will result in unprecedented blessing for our nation.

“Why? Because, in the Bible, God said ‘I will bless those who bless Israel.’ So the U.S. recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will bring great blessing on America. It is a great day. God bless America, and God bless President Trump.”

Bernis added that “standing with Israel and the Jewish people is a central part of our mission at Jewish Voice.”

“I urge everyone to pray for the peace of Israel and for calm heads to prevail in the Middle East at this pivotal time in history.”

Jewish Voice Ministries International, with headquarters located in Phoenix, AZ, is a faith-based organization that provides  humanitarian aid and  medical care to impoverished Jewish communities  and their neighbors in Africa, Asia and Israel.  The organization also produces a weekly worldwide television show, Jewish Voice with Jonathan Bernis, a program helping Christians to better understand the Jewish roots of the Christian Faith and why they need to support Israel and the Jewish People.