By Mathilda Heller

May 13, 2026 - Updated: May 13, 2026

Fifteen parliamentarians from nations worldwide vowed to recognize Jerusalem's sovereignty during a Knesset conference held just before Jerusalem Day on Thursday.

Senior Israeli figures, such as Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, joined the gathering, along with ambassadors from Argentina, Paraguay, Malawi, Guatemala, Panama, and Fiji. The Jerusalem Post covered the proceedings.

Some 15 lawmakers hailing from the United States, Japan, Australia, various European countries, and African states addressed the audience. They outlined concrete pledges to promote Jerusalem's recognition in their home legislatures.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana kicked off the event, portraying Jerusalem as a global emblem of harmony: "a city where Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexist and pray freely, where shofar sounds blend with church bells and the adhan, and where rabbis, priests, and imams stroll together in their traditional attire along shared avenues."

Ohana emphasized the ongoing efforts required to preserve this status, urging Israel to secure broader international acknowledgment of Jerusalem as its capital, including embassy relocations.

MK Dan Illouz commended the global parliamentarians, leaders, and officials standing firm with Jerusalem. He affirmed the singular "historical truth" and the Jewish people's "eternal claim to their capital."

Illouz denounced efforts to impose political coercion for a "hostile foreign foothold" at Israel's core and to sever the ancient Jewish bond with Jerusalem.

"Today, the truth itself faces assault. Aligning with Jerusalem at this moment transcends politics - it represents a deep moral imperative," he declared.

"It comes as no surprise that we spearheaded laws countering foreign meddling in Jerusalem or targeted groups undermining Israel from our capital's midst, for Jerusalem is no mere pawn in negotiations. It is our nation's vital pulse."

Josh Reinstein, head of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and president of the Israel Allies Foundation, addressed attendees: "This gathering merges the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and Jerusalem Caucus efforts, offering lawmakers a robust stage to detail their actionable strategies, like championing Jerusalem as Israel's unified capital in their parliaments and governments."

International Caucus Chairs Affirm Backing

Leaders of global Israel caucuses then participated in the forum.

Australian-Israeli Caucus Chair MP Andrew Wallace lamented Australia's failure to acknowledge Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

As a Catholic, he shared a personal spiritual tie to the city.

"It is profoundly embedded in my faith - the city of King David, where Jesus walked, taught, endured, and resurrected. Sacred to Jews, Christians, and others," he noted.

Wallace aims, as caucus chair, to inspire similar initiatives in Pacific nations and to press for Israel within Australia's parliament and his party.

European Figures Alert on Rising Antisemitism

European Parliament Israel Allies Caucus Chair Bert Jan Ruissen described Jerusalem as the "inner heartbeat of the Jewish people" and Christianity's birthplace.

"As a Christian, supporting and safeguarding the Jewish people is a biblical obligation," he stated. "Amid existential threats to Israel, we seek peace for Jerusalem and an end to ingrained Jew-hatred, not just in Israel but across Europe."

Ruissen's election platform insists Jerusalem stay undivided as Israel's capital, with the EU embassy relocating there.

Portugal Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus Chair, Chega MP Pedro Frazão, insisted no propaganda, diplomacy, or antisemitism surge could obliterate Jerusalem's truth as the Jewish people's core.

"In Europe today, as antisemitism surges worldwide like a toxic shadow over our society, silence is untenable."

He affirmed Chega's total rejection of antisemitism, "be it from campus activism or masked as anti-Zionism."

"For Chega, the Jewish right to secure, dignified life in their homeland with firm borders is absolute."

Portugal's second-largest party, Chega, backs shifting its embassy to Jerusalem.

Ghana-Israel Caucus Chair Honourable Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah revealed Ghana's strong push to relocate its embassy there.

The Ghanaian president plans an Israel visit next year to formalize the shift.

"We aim to pioneer as the first African nation with our embassy in Jerusalem," he said.

The Democratic Republic of Congo first announced such a move in 2023, though it remains pending.

Mozambique-Israel Caucus Reverend Carlos Tembe affirmed his nation's recognition of Israel and Jerusalem as the Jewish capital.

Newly elected as second vice president in Mozambique's parliament, Tembe can now bolster parliamentary ties of cooperation and solidarity with Israel.

"The Israel Allies Foundation focuses spiritually in Mozambique, but as an MP, I can advocate as Israel's friend in parliament," he explained.

South Sudan forum Chair MP Julius Moilinga anticipates leading or joining a caucus parliamentary trip to Jerusalem.

He backs bills affirming Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Since Israel's 2011 recognition of South Sudan's independence, collaborations in agriculture, tech, education, health, energy, and infrastructure have flourished.

"This alliance aids South Sudanese and fortifies Israel-South Sudan bonds," Moilinga said.

"Jerusalem's sovereignty demands no bargaining - it is a reality to reinforce diplomatically," MK Illouz concluded.

"Nearing the 60th anniversary of unification, we forge a global coalition upholding our irrefutable claim to our united capital."