By Aryeh Savir/TPS • 12 June, 2019
The Republic of Moldova announced its decision to relocate its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The government officially adopted the decision on Tuesday.
“It was a long overdue commitment to support our allies,” stated Moldova’s Prime Minister Pavel Filip.
Filip’s government has lost the recent elections. However, he stated that this commitment “we have previously undertaken and we want to make sure they will be respected, regardless of what happens after the snap elections.”
Israel has declined to respond to the announcement because of the precarious political situation in the country.
The World Jewish Congress welcomed the historic move.
“The Government of Moldova has taken a welcome step today in affirming its faith in the State of Israel and demonstrating their strong bilateral relations in publicly recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s rightful capital,” stated WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer. “I was very pleased to learn of this development from Moldova’s ambassador to the United States this morning, and hope this will set a positive example for all of Israel’s friends considering such a move.”
“Moldova has proven time and again in recent years to be a true friend of the State of Israel, as well as a leader in the fight against antisemitism worldwide. Its decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem follows other important steps of good faith, including its prioritization of protecting its Jewish community, as demonstrated by its recent adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, and its efforts to preserve Holocaust memory,” Singer said.
Moldova is the latest country to solidify its diplomatic presence in Jerusalem.
Brazil announced in April that it will establish a trade mission in Jerusalem, thus expanding its diplomatic presence in the capital.
In March, Romania announced it will relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, and Honduras announced it will upgrade its diplomatic presence in Jerusalem with a commercial and cooperation office in Jerusalem.
Hungary in March held a dedication ceremony for its new diplomatic trade mission in Jerusalem. The diplomatic trade mission will be a branch of the Hungarian Embassy in Tel Aviv.
The US was the first to make the historic move in May 2018.
Australia and Russia have recognized west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.