Israel Matzav: US Consul General: Jerusalem consulate is for the 'Palestinian Authority'

US Consul General: Jerusalem consulate is for the 'Palestinian Authority'

Two and a half weeks ago, I reported that the web site of the US Consulate in Jerusalem was entirely dedicated to the 'Palestinians.' I also noted that the situation was really nothing new, and that the Consulate had been an unofficial 'embassy' to the 'Palestinians' for the thirty years I had known it (since I was a yeshiva boy here in the late '70's), possibly for longer. Responding to Florida cardiologist Dr. Adam Splaver's complaint on its web site, the consulate has confirmed that in fact it is the US government representative to the 'Palestinians.'

Splaver, a former president of the Young Israel synagogue in Hollywood, Florida, wrote that he was "appalled," adding that he believed the omission was not the result of an error, but rather a deliberate statement.

"As an American and as a Jew, I must voice my objections to your political message and clearly, proudly, and defiantly state that a united Jerusalem was, is and will be the capital of the Jewish homeland called Israel," he added.

The reply, received Monday, August 17, speaks for itself:

"Thank you for your feedback on the U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem's Website. Just to clarify, the Consulate General in Jerusalem is the principal representation to the Palestinian Authority. We also provide services to American citizens in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.

"The U.S. embassy to Israel is in Tel Aviv and is focused on the bilateral relationship with Israel. Their website is
http://usembassy-israel.org.il/. The American Center in Jerusalem also provides information about the United States to the Israeli public. Their website is http://usembassy-israel.org.il/ac/ .

"Jerusalem is a final status issue. Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to resolve its status during negotiations. We will support their efforts to reach agreements on all final status issues."

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Israel Matzav: US Consul General: Jerusalem consulate is for the 'Palestinian Authority'