Hamodia (Binyan Magazine), November 19, 2011
The Zivotovskys are Americans who moved to Israel. When their third child was born in Yerushalayim in 2002, they applied for his U.S. passport. They wanted “Israel” listed as his birthplace. The State Department refused, listing only “Jerusalem.” The Zivotofskys sued, and the case has reached the Supreme Court.
Last week the Supreme Court heard arguments as to whether Americans born in Yerushalayim may list “Jerusalem, Israel” on official documents. This could affect more than 50,000 people.
In September 2002, Congress passed this law: “For purposes of … issuance of a passport of a U.S. citizen born in … Jerusalem, the Secretary shall, upon request … record the place of birth as Israel.”
President Barack Obama has argued that listing “Jerusalem, Israel” on U.S. passports implies U.S. recognition of the disputed capital. One reason for this dispute is that Yerushalayim’s Old City was part of Jordan until the city was reunited during the Six Day War.
A decision is expected in June.
Let’s be clear that this seems to show that this issue started and was originally adjudicated in 2002 under the Bush Admin, and a Republican controlled Congress, and that the Obama Admin. seems to be continuing the “Government’s” position. Let’s not politicize this more than already done, by the politicos.
Agreed. I did not post this as a political statement. Rather, and most importantly, because of the implications for Israel and the Jewish people. This is definitely topical and of great interest to all Jews.
Well said, Rabbi Rich. Thanks for clarifying.