JPOST: Israelis, Romanians Strengthen Ties on Interfaith Diplomacy Mission

The main topic of discussion during these talks was the relocation of the Romanian Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

An Israeli delegation travelled to Bucharest, Romania on Tuesday seeking to strengthen ties with the Romanian government and reaffirm the interfaith diplomatic relationship between the two sides.

The delegation, headed by Israeli Minister for Social Equality Gila Gamliel, met with Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, as well as many other ministers and members of of the Romanian parliament to encourage "active support for the State of Israel."

The main topic of discussion during the visit was the relocation of the Romanian Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

The United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in May of last year. Since then, a handful of other countries also expressed interest in such a move and/or moved their embassies, too.

"At a time of historic new alliances in our region, we are strengthening our robust relationship with Romania for the betterment of both our peoples," said Gamliel. "The Government of Romania has chosen to be on the right side of history, and history will judge them favorably for this."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Romania to move its embassy to Jerusalem when he met with Prime Minister Viorica Dancila in his office last week during her trip to Israel.

Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Melescanu said in October that the ministry has completed the analytical report on the potential relocation of Romania's Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Now, the Romanian government needs approval by the president and speakers of its two Chambers of Parliament to move forward.

In addition to Gamliel, this week's delegation included Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Director and Israel Allies Foundation President Josh Reinstein.

“As antisemitism manifested in hatred of Israel continues to rise in Western Europe, it is heartening to see the important efforts that our sister caucus in Romania has engaged in to advocate for the State of Israel through our shared Judeo-Christian values,” said Reinstein.

The Christian Allies Caucus is a multiparty caucus of 19 members of Knesset, aiming to foster communication between Israeli legislators and Christian leaders and politicians around the world. There are 38 Israel Allies Caucuses in nations worldwide, under the auspices of the Israel Allies Foundation.

The Israel Allies Foundation is "dedicated to promoting communication between parliamentarians and legislators around the world over who share a belief that the State of Israel has the right to exist in peace within secure borders."

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