Congressional Israel Allies Caucus celebrates Jerusalem Day on Capitol Hill

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The Congressional Israel Allies Caucus (CIAC) celebrated Jerusalem Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

Jerusalem Day marks the reunification of Israel's capital city following the nation's victory against Egypt, Syria and Jordan in the Six-Day War in June 1967.

Prominent attendees at the Captial Hill event included Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC). Israel was represented at the event by Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli.

The Israeli minister emphasized Jerusalem’s centrality as Israel's ancient capital and the cradle of the Judeo-Christian Western civilization.

“It is a great honor to stand in the House of Representatives of the modern nation of freedom as an envoy of the ancient nation of freedom, with true friends who, just a few years ago, relocated their embassy to the eternal capital of our people, the city of awe and peace, the cradle of Judeo-Christian civilization,” Chikli stated.

Schneider underlined CIAC's role in advancing and strengthening the bonds between the United States and the State of Israel.

“This week, we mark Jerusalem Day, 57 years after the reunification of the Jewish people’s capital city. I’m honored to co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Israel Allies Caucus that helps ensure the US-Israel relationship remains ironclad. Israel is our most important ally in the Middle East - we will always have her back,” Schneider, the co-chair of CIAC, vowed.

Lamborn stated that Jerusalem Day commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem as the Jewish nation's capital.

"It is with gratitude that we mark another anniversary of the reunification of the Jewish people's eternal capital of Jerusalem," Lamborn said.

“This year, it is more important than ever to come together and declare our support for Israel and her people. While we celebrate Jerusalem and Israel's deep commitment to safeguarding it for future generations, we also pause with great sadness to remember the collective pain of the Israeli people,” he added.

Democrat lawmaker Brad Sherman (CA) echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to bring home the Israeli hostages and disarm Hamas.

“We need all the hostages home, and we need Gaza disarmed,” Sherman said.

“Urban warfare is difficult. Friendly fire is a major cause of death. War is hell and total confusion and to wage war while the other side is using human shields is very difficult,” he added. “If someone is concerned about the Palestinians, get Hamas to leave. We need to dismantle Hamas in Gaza.”

On Monday, Israel Police announced the traditional annual flag march to honor Jerusalem Day would proceed along its usual route through the Old City, including the Muslim Quarter, toward the Western Wall. The announcement was made despite concerns that the march could spark confrontations between Jews and Muslims amid heightened tensions in Jerusalem.