American Israelis frustrated,
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a longstanding State Department policy to list only the word “Jerusalem” without “Israel” on passports of U.S. citizens born here has left many Jewish American Israelis feeling frustrated.
The ruling, which confirms that the president — not Congress — has the ultimate authority to dictate foreign policy, is viewed here as a denial that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.
In fact, that’s the case. It is U.S. policy that the future status of East and West Jerusalem be decided in a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, who seek an independent state and claim part of Jerusalem as their own.
American-Israeli expatriates say the facts on the ground prove that U.S. policy makes no sense.
“I have three nieces and a nephew all born in Jerusalem and proud to be Israelis,” said Debby Duitch, a Jerusalem resident. “This is the city of their birth, just as Omaha was the city of my birth. Simple fact, if you are putting city of birth on all passports, then that is discrimination to not put it.”
Monday, American expats in Jerusalem took to Facebook to voice their bewilderment. Many noted that they have Israeli passports, pay Israeli taxes and are required to do business in Hebrew.
Elliot Auerbacher directed his unhappiness at President Obama more than the Supreme Court. “The disappointment is the fact that the Obama administration would have pursued this case so vigorously to assert its right to deny that Jerusalem is a part of Israel.”
Rivki Berger said she was “puzzled that a person or a group of people (no matter how distinguished or high-ranking) can arbitrarily insist that a birthplace does not exist or must remain unnamed.”
Nick Lees, who immigrated to Israel in 2010, said Jerusalem “has never been the capital of any nation other than Israel. Why can’t our best friend and ally recognize that?” But Lees said he understands why the court ruled the way it did. “This gives America an air of objectivity that lends credibility for Arabs to the U.S. role as a fair negotiator.”
Ohad Shpak, a fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, said the court’s decision “reflects the administration’s position not to obstruct any possibility of resuming the peace talks.”
“In my opinion, it has no relevance, since both sides — Israeli and Palestinians alike — understand that Jerusalem will eventually be the capital of the two nations in two different states,” Shpak said.
Jerusalem “has never been the capital of any nation other than Israel. Why can’t our best friend and ally recognize that?” Nick Lees, who immigrated to Israel in 2010