COLUMBUS — The Ohio House may become the first state legislative body in the entire nation to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Israeli state. If the House resolution is passed, north central Ohio-with its close-knit Israeli friendship, will have played a key role in helping it cross the finish line.
Several proponents of HCR 11 gave testimony at the Statehouse before the House Federalism Committee on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“The close friendship Ohio has with Israel, as illustrated by North Central Ohioans is unmistakable and indisputable,” says Benjamin Mutti of the Richland Community Prayer Network.
Mutti mentioned how the area was featured in an Israeli article entitled: “Does Rural Ohio Lead the World in Love for Israel?” He went on to provide a bird’s eye view of the staunch support and rampant activism seen in the 2nd and 70th State Districts.
“In 2017, clergy from one hundred and three congregations sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu apologizing for the Obama Administration’s refusal to veto a United Nations Resolution 2334 calling the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria an “international crime.”
“Months later, grassroot demonstrations in support of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital took place at city squares across the North Central Ohio,” Mutti said. “Nearly nine months before President Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem, the demonstrators held signs reading “Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel” and “We stand with Israel.”
In addition, leading clergymen from forty-two Richland County congregations persuaded the Richland County Treasurer and Commissioner Board to invest in Israeli bonds. The investment of $200,000 in Israeli bonds was made as an expression of solidarity with Israel and as a practical way to combat the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) movement.
The bond purchase was in lockstep with the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, and the Ohio state government, the largest holder of Israeli bonds for a government entity in the world.
Sponsors of HCR 11 include State Representatives Candice Keller (R-Middletown) and Darrell Kick (R- Loudonville). The symbolic measure is also co-sponsored by twelve other representatives including Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario).
“What happened in this testimony today is important for Ohio. People do not understand the blessings we will have as Ohioans if we recognize Jerusalem as the capital. I look forward to seeing this resolution passing and being presented to the Israeli Knesset in the coming months.”
State Representative & Sponsor Candice Keller (R-Middletown)
According to Representative Keller, “What happened in this testimony today is important for Ohio. People do not understand the blessings we will have as Ohioans if we recognize Jerusalem as the capital. I look forward to seeing this resolution passing and being presented to the Israeli Knesset in the coming months.”
Other advocates for the HCR 11 gave testimony supporting the recognition.
Terry Conant representing Christians United for Israel (CUFI) endorsed an Ohio recognition of Jerusalem. “With President Trump’s declaration, finally a shameful double standard is no longer being applied to Jerusalem by its closest ally. We should do the same in Ohio.” CUFI has over 100,000 members throughout the state.
Rabbi Michael Wolf of Beth Messiah Synagogue in Loveland, Ohio also spoke. “With America recognizing Jerusalem as capital, it is only right that Ohio also recognize Jerusalem. I encourage the passage of House Concurrent Resolution as presented today.”
If the ninety-nine member Ohio Legislature approves the resolution, Ohio will become the first state legislature in the nation to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
In January 2019 the Florida Cabinet recognized Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. The Cabinet is composed of four elected officials: the Governor, the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Chief Financial Officer.
Click on the image below to link to video of Benjamin Mutti’s testimony beginning at 46:52.
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