Question 1 : What is the significance of George Bush's recently deciding to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel ?

This question comes from the following News quote : "The Bush Administration has decided to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a step that is causing an uncomfortable stir in an already unstable area. But the recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital is not a big thing, says Tony Nassif of the Politics and Faith Institute. Nassif says for all intents and purposes, what the president would be doing is formalising a policy, which has always been understood. Nassif says the decision will not however change the dynamics in the region...."

Answers :

All the Embassies bar one or two small countries are in Tel Aviv.

They moved there due to pressure from the Arab oil rich states over 20 years ago.

Israel is the only country in the world which is not allowed by world pressure to have diplomatic offices in their capital city.

The US maintains a consulate in Jerusalem and there has been talk since Clintons days of moving the actual embassy back to Jerusalem however they always buckle under pressure and it never happens. Like Nassif I doubt that the US saying they will recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital will make any real difference to the dynamics of what is happening there.

Zechariah says that Jerusalem will be a problem for the nations of the world and the catalyst for the Lord's return.

The Moslems certainly don't recognise the US's right to make any declaration concerning the city so it won't make any difference to the often stated Palestinian goal to make it the capital of Palestine.

This answer was given to us from Jesma O'Hara of Hesed Ministries

"I believe the remarks are "political speak" from George Bush, meant to reassure the Israeli Government the the new road map policy will not demand the division of Jerusalem."

Answer from Gerald Rowlands

"Regardless of how Nassif sees it or says it, it is a BIG issue between those who worship the God of the Bible versus those in the NWO whose god demands homage to Arab oil, global trade (including with Islam) and Islamic sensitivities in particular. In fact, through the lens of the OT prophets, it will most certainly be the issue that beckons the ultimate advent of the Messiah as the only One who will be able to judge decisively on the issue!"

This answer was sent to us from Victor Schlatter

of South Pacific Island Ministries

BACKGROUND FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY, JERUSALEM Website :

In 1980, Christian supporters of Israel established the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem as a practical expression of the desire of believers throughout the world to bless and comfort Zion.

The Embassy opened after the International community condemned Israel for declaring united Jerusalem the "eternal and indivisible capital" of the reborn Jewish state.

As 13 nations moved their embassies from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv due to a threatened Arab oil embargo, 1400 Christians from 40 countries decided to open their own Embassy in Jerusalem.

It was an act of solidarity with the Jewish people's 3000-year-old connection to their holy city. Australian Website / Jerusalem Website