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It was one year ago today, December 6, 2017, when President Donald J. Trump kept a campaign promise, one that many of his predecessors had also promised, the recognition of Jerusalem as the Capitol of Israel. Most of what I write about deals with events and dates far before my time, but it is interesting to write about something that is still fresh perhaps in many minds. Several say they can predict what will happen next as a result of this decision, but regardless, one year ago today, history was made.
I try and stay away from talking about my personal beliefs or personal stories. Yet I want to write to you about what I get to see as a Middle School History Teacher. I currently, amongst other classes, teach a Current Events class. I think a lot of you would like to hear that the students enrolled in this class learn a lot about what is happening in this world, in as much an unbiased way as I hope I can teach. We always talk about the past, but I continuously tell my students, for better or worse, that they are the future, and will no doubt make history, good or bad. It is great to see the students debate about different policies, especially foreign policies and the United States involvement with Israel. These students have varying opinions, and each of them are participating in civics by getting a chance to have their say, and debate. Their different polices are fascinating about what they believe in, and no one policy is exactly the same.
The United States has been an ardent defender of Israel since its creation as a nation on May 14, 1948, 70 years ago. For this reason, the opening ceremony for the Embassy was on May 14, 2018. Many U.S. presidents have sent aid in the form of weapons, health, food, and monetary sums. This friendly relationship has had its positive and negative affects on the world stage. There has been a long-standing debate on what should be done in the Middle East. Talks of a “Two State” solution have been tossed about for years. The one problem with this idea is that both Israel and the Palestinians see Jerusalem as their capitol. Whatever your beliefs, President Trump one year ago made no doubt that Jerusalem is the capitol for the Israelis. Can the “Two State” solution become a reality, only time will tell?
Within the last year, there have been several violent protests on the Israeli border over the movement of the American embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem as well as the 70th anniversary of the creation of Israel. Just recently in early November, fighting between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas erupted in Gaza. Many nations have denounced the embassy move, while others have praised it, saying they intend to follow suit, such as Brazil and Nigeria. This is still, like everything, a developing issue. Will it bring peace to the Middle East? Will America, instead of trying to help both sides, make a stand with just one? Will Terrorist attacks on America increase for our stance? These are all just questions and there is no answer as of yet. Whatever the future holds, one year ago today, history was made, and we will all be witness to it.
About the Author
Ronald G. Mayer Jr. is a Native of Arizona and a graduate of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He teaches history at Liberty Traditional School in Prescott Valley where he resides. He looks forward to a career as a Professor of History.
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