Trump offers hope for peace in recorded remarks at US Embassy opening in Jerusalem

President Trump delivered recorded remarks Monday at the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. 

“Congratulations, it’s been a long time coming,” Trump said in a video played at the ceremony.

“This city and this entire nation is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people,” he said. “The United States will always be a great friend of Israel.”

The president went on to express his hope for peace in the region in the video message.

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“We extend a hand in friendship to Israel, to Palestinians and to all of their neighbors. May there be peace. May God bless this embassy. May God bless all who serve there, and may God bless the United States of America,” Trump said.

The president also tweeted his congratulations on the move.

Big day for Israel. Congratulations!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2018

Trump announced that the U.S. Embassy would be moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December.

The ceremony commemorating the embassy’s opening was attended by various Trump administration officials including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, as well as White House adviser and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and adviser and daughter Ivanka Trump. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also present for the opening. 

The embassy’s opening is a fulfillment of one of Trump’s 2016 campaign promises, but it has been met with protests from Palestinians, who see East Jerusalem as the future capital of a Palestinian state. 

At least 37 people have reportedly been killed and 1,000 wounded as Palestinians try to cross the border into Israel. 

–Updated at 9:57 a.m.