NOTE TO STUDENTS:

• Number the paragraphs before answering the questions.
• Highlight every mention of the word peace throughout the speech.

1. Fill in the blanks from President Trump’s speech:

a) from paragraph #2:  “My announcement today marks the beginning of a _______________ to conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.”

b) from paragraph #6:  “I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as _______________.”

c) from paragraph #12:  “Jerusalem is not just the heart of three great religions, but it is now also the heart of one of the most successful _______________ in the world. Over the past seven decades, the Israeli people have built a country where Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and people of all faiths are free to live and worship according to their conscience and according to their beliefs.”

d) from paragraph #15:  “But today, we finally acknowledge _______________: that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital.”

e) from paragraph #15:  “This is nothing more, or less, than a recognition of reality. It is also the _______________. It's something that has to be done.”

f) from paragraph #18:  “The United States remains deeply committed to helping facilitate a peace agreement that is acceptable to _______________. … The United States would support a two-state solution if agreed to by _______________.”

2. What is the Jerusalem Embassy Act? Be specific.

3. a) Define waiver in reference to the Jerusalem Embassy Act.
b) Why has every president since the Jerusalem Embassy Act became law issued waivers on it every six months?
(Note: President Trump signed his second waiver today after his announcement -- he must do so to ensure funding for the current US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel and will have to do so until the embassy in Jerusalem is complete.)

4. What point did President Trump make about the effect the waivers had on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process? (see paragraph 5)

5. For what reason does President Trump say acknowledging Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is necessary? (see para. 9)

6. What did the president say he wants to make very clear? (see para. 17)

7. Re-read the end of the speech (paragraphs 20-29) and/or watch it starting at 7:55 to the end.
What do you think of President Trump’s exhortations to the people in Israel - Jewish, Muslim and Christian? (Do you agree with his sentiments?) Explain your answer.