Congressional leaders from both political parties came together with religious figures on Capitol Hill Wednesday, June 10, 2026, for an annual Jerusalem Day commemoration organized by the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus.
The gathering drew lawmakers, Jewish and Christian religious leaders, and advocates supporting American-Israeli relations to honor Jerusalem’s reunification and reinforce backing for the city as Israel’s capital.
Four representatives serve as co-chairs for the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus that organized the ceremony: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL).
The attendee list included Congressional members, faith community representatives, and US-Israel alliance supporters. Among those scheduled to speak were Senator Ted Cruz, White House Faith Office Head Paula White, Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Leo Terrell, Pastor Larry Huch, and a senior Israeli official.
Event coordinators emphasized that the ceremony demonstrated cross-party American backing for Jerusalem and US-Israeli ties. The program also spotlighted faith-centered diplomacy and collaboration between Jewish and Christian groups.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) stated: “On Jerusalem Day, we join Israel in celebrating the 1967 restoration of its ancient capital city to Israeli sovereignty. This was a great day for the Jewish people and for everyone who believes in the right of every nation to exercise its sovereignty within secure borders.”
“As Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, I am honored to join the Jerusalem Day Reception celebrating Jerusalem as Israel’s unified capital city,” Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) commented.
Schneider continued: “For more than 3,000 years, Jerusalem has been the eternal capital of the Jewish people, the holy city to the three Abrahamic faiths and today is unique for its faith and history woven into the very fabric of the city. It is a place where people of diverse backgrounds and religions prosper together. I am proud to celebrate its enduring significance and the unbreakable bond between the people of the United States and Israel.”
Jordanna McMillan, Israel Allies Foundation US Director, stated that acknowledging Jerusalem and moving the US Embassy there demonstrates “our shared Judeo-Christian values, commitment to religious freedom, and a strategic partnership that advances America’s interests in a more stable Middle East.”
According to the Israel Allies Foundation, the organization works with over 1600 legislators across 64 parliamentary caucuses globally to promote faith-based diplomacy and support for Israel.
