Vice President Pence Speaks at the Knesset (Israel's Parliament)

Yesterday, Vice President Mike Pence addressed the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, affirming the US’ support for the Jewish state, for Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and for Israel’s security.

He quoted history as much as the Bible in his keynote speech, where Pence stated, “I am here to convey a simple message from the heart of the American people: The American people stand with Israel.” “We stand with Israel because your cause is our cause, your values are our values… we stand with Israel because we believe in good over evil, in liberty over tyranny,” he stated.

“John Adams said the Jews have done more to civilize man than any other civilization,” Pence said. “Through the generations, the American people became fierce advocates for the Jewish aspiration to return to the land of your forefathers.”

Pence then recited the “Shehechiyanu” blessing in Hebrew, a Jewish prayer recited to celebrate special and joyous occasions, eliciting a standing ovation from the Jewish-majority parliament. He said the US is proud to have been the first country to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. President Donald Trump, he said, “righted a 70-year wrong” by acknowledging Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. His speech made me proud to be an American!