Hoyer Statement on Resolution to Deny Importance of Jerusalem to Jewish and Christian Faiths

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today:

"Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee passed a resolution denying the Jewish and Christian heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, reaffirming the worst perceptions of the UN as allowing anti-Israel activism. This is a dangerous effort to erase history and perpetuate the disgusting myth that Jews have no connection to the holy city of Jerusalem. It's shocking in 2016 that the United States needs to reaffirm the most basic elements of Middle East history - that Jews and Christians have lived, worshipped, and remain connected to Jerusalem for millennia. Palestinian leaders will not solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through antics at the UN; they can only do so through direct negotiation. I commend the U.S. delegation for efforts to block this vote, despite not formally sitting on the World Heritage Committee."