A Jewish group on Wednesday will hold an event at the European parliament
commemorating Israel’s establishment of control over the eastern part of
Jerusalem in 1967, a week after the national holiday was held in
Israel.
The European Jewish Community Center (EJCC), which is organizing
the event, said the gathering will be attended by Minister-without- Portfolio
Yossi Peled, Vice President of the European Parliament Alejo Vidal-Quadras Roca
and dozens of other pro-Israel politicians.
“We throw an event like this
every year,” said Avi Tawil, the director of the organization. “It’s an
opportunity to give Israel’s friends a stage to show their support for the
country.”
Few countries in the world recognize either east or west
Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, claiming the status of the city should be
determined in talks with Palestinians and the international
community. However, Tawil said some European politicians supported
changing the current status quo.
“There are many who recognize the status
of Jerusalem as the capital, like Finland’s Hannu Takula and Spain’s Eva Ortiz
Vilella,” he said over the phone from Belgium.
Tawil said there had not
been serious attempts to disrupt the annual event in previous years. He said the
ceremony will consist of speeches by politicians, the unveiling of a photo
exhibit and musicians singing songs like “Jerusalem of Gold.”
He said
bolstering support for Israel in Europe was just as important as lobbying
efforts in the US.