Jerusalem the only holy city of the Jewish people

“Jews in Arab east Jerusalem defy Obama peace push”[Seattletimes.com, May 20] is distorted and one-sided.

Jerusalem has had a Jewish majority for more than 100 years except for the illegal occupation by Jordan from 1948 to 1967. It is therefore incorrect to describe east Jerusalem as “Arab.”

Israel annexed east Jerusalem when it was recaptured from the Jordanians after the 1967 Middle East war waged by neighboring Arab states.

On May 24, 2007, now-President Obama said Israel is the United States’ most reliable ally and the only established democracy in the Middle East. Israel’s security — which is of vital importance to the United States — could best be guaranteed by reaching negotiated peace agreements with its neighbors. But Israel must have credible partners with whom to negotiate.

At present, Israel does not have credible peace partners.

Israel rightly cannot accept a divided Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel and the Jewish people. It is not “the third holiest city,” as it is for the Muslims. It is the only holy city of the Jewish people. It has been so for more than 3,300 years.

A lasing peace could only be achieved if Hamas and Fatah nullify their charters calling for the total destruction of Israel, renounce violence and end their hate campaign against Israelis and Jews living in their ancestral home.

— Josh Basson, Seattle