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'We Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem': VP Pence Celebrates Embassy and 'Miracle' of Israel

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WASHINGTON - Vice President Mike Pence celebrated Israel's 70th anniversary in Washington, DC by attending a ceremony hosted by Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer.

"On this big day for Israel we say 'Mazel Tov'," Pence said. 

During his speech, Pence honored the Jewish people's legacy and called the establishment of the modern nation of Israel a "miracle of history."



"As we look at Israel today it's extraordinary to behold all the progress she's made and the example she sets. Today, Israel is more than just 70 years old. She's 70 years strong and the world marvels at her strength," he said.

Pence pointed out that by fulfilling a more than 20-year promise to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, President Donald Trump is now forever linked to Israel's history.

"From King David's time to our own, President Trump has now etched his name into the ineffable story of Jerusalem," he shared.

While many Gazans expressed outrage over the embassy move and tried to storm Israel's border, Pence believes the United States made one step towards peace in the region.

"By finally recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the United States has chosen fact over fiction. Fact is the only true foundation for a just and lasting peace," he said. "The United States of America is prepared to support a peace agreement in any way we can. We believe that peace is possible -- for both sides to gain more than they give."

Until then, Pence said he's joining millions of believers who continually pray for Israel.

"As for me and my family and millions around the globe, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love her be secure. May there be peace within her walls and security within her city gates. And we will keep praying that until peace finally comes in Jerusalem," he shared, quoting from Psalm 122.

One of the ways Pence said peace will come is by standing "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel against the world's leading state sponsor of terror – Iran.

President Trump proved that to be true last week by pulling out of the controversial Obama-era nuclear deal with the Islamic republic.

"The United States of America will never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon," Pence assured the audience.

The vice president praised Israel for turning the desert into a garden, overcoming numerous genocides, and becoming one of the most prosperous nations on earth.

He concluded with one last promise to the Jewish state: "America stands with Israel."

The celebration was hosted by Ron Dermer, Israel's ambassador to the United States, and his wife. 

"The United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem," exclaimed Ambassador Dermer. "The bonds linking our two countries are pulling us closer and closer together."

This year's anniversary was historic as it coincided with the commemoration of the US embassy opening in Jerusalem.

"One truth stands in evidence in this gathering as it has been in the past so shall be in the future - America stands with Israel," Pence told the assembled audience. 

READ: 'The City of God...Where Messiah Will Come': US Dedicates Jerusalem Embassy in Historic Event

Aside from the embassy's opening celebration in DC, American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) teamed up with International Christian Embassy Jerusalem to host a three-day summit titled "Israel 70 & Strong."

Pence believes the move is the first step towards lasting peace in the Middle East. 

"It was in Jerusalem that King David consecrated the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. Since its rebirth, the modern State of Israel has called Jerusalem the seat of its government. Today @POTUS & the American people acknowledge this historic truth w the opening of the US Embassy," the vice president wrote on Twitter Monday. 

CBN co-sponsored the summit which aims to celebrate the past, evaluate the present, and create strategies for future generations of Christians to stand alongside Israel.

CBN's CEO Gordon Robertson spoke at the gala about the ministry's commitment to creating documentaries, such as "In Our Hands" and "To Life," which highlights Israel's humanitarian missions around the world. 

"We have to look very carefully at what Israel is doing because they are doing something rather extraordinary," said Robertson. "No other nation is doing as much as they are given the zines of their population." 

Summit organizers want to send a message both to Washington and abroad that Christians will stand with Israel in unity and strength now and for years to come. 

This year marks 70 years since the reestablishment of Israel as a modern nation. Click here for more about CBN’s movie, “To Life,” on the positive global impact of Israel.

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About The Author

Emily
Jones

Emily Jones is a multi-media journalist for CBN News in Jerusalem. Before she moved to the Middle East in 2019, she spent years regularly traveling to the region to study the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, meet with government officials, and raise awareness about Christian persecution. During her college years, Emily served as president of Regent University's Christians United for Israel chapter and spoke alongside world leaders at numerous conferences and events. She is an active member of the Philos Project, an organization that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement with the Middle