Trump thanks Israeli mayor for naming park for him
In letter to Kiryat Yam mayor, US president lauds Israel as ‘steadfast’ ally and ‘oasis of hope, democracy, and prosperity in the Middle East’
US President Donald Trump thanked the mayor of a northern Israeli city who named a new park after him.
David Even Tzur announced on December 7 he would name the new park in the Haifa suburb of Kiryat Yam after the US president in honor of his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Addressed to Even Tzur and dated December 13, the letter offers Trump’s gratitude and calls Israel “one of our most steadfast allies and an oasis of hope, democracy, and prosperity in the Middle East.”
“Thank you for this great honor,” Trump writes. “It was a distinct pleasure to visit Israel during my first international trip as President of the United States…. I am thankful for your gesture and am moved to know that the people of Israel are encouraged by my decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”
In his announcement heralding the decision to establish “Donald Trump Park” earlier this month, Even Tzur said, “The president of the United States took a brave and unprecedented step that none of his predecessors were willing to take and we must honor him for it.”
He added, “Jerusalem is a dream that is present in every Jew’s heart and Trump’s decision gives this dream clear international recognition.”
Tzur said the park, in which the municipality is investing NIS 4 million ($1.14 million), will stretch over seven dunams (1.7 acres) and border an existing science park in the center of the city.
Tzur added that he is looking into the possibility of inviting Trump to the opening of the facility, slated for April 2018.
Delighting Israel’s leadership and defying dire, worldwide warnings, Trump on December 6 broke with decades of US and international policy by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
