At the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference held at the Friends of Zion Museum, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion welcomed members of the diplomatic corps and guests to the event.
Leon told attendees that Jerusalem is not only an ancient city, but the city of the future. He said the city's development focuses not only on building, but on people. “We are building and developing for everyone, Jews and Arabs, in the east of the city and the west of the city. Every child in Jerusalem deserves opportunity. Today, a child in Jerusalem, Arab or Jewish, Christian or Muslim, religious or secular, has more opportunities than ever before. We are investing in infrastructure, education and opportunities for young people.”
Jerusalem, he said, is a city of unity, and while people have different views and do not always agree, its residents share the city and its future. “This message became even more important after October 7. We saw Israelis come together. In our darkest hour, we found strength in unity. And now, we must use that strength to build.”
Leon urged the diplomats in attendance to help shape the city’s future, bring investment and tourism, and build partnerships among cities, universities, businesses, and communities. “Jerusalem is sacred to all people and can be a meeting place. We choose cooperation over division, growth over destruction, we choose life and we choose peace. This is the city we are building: a city rooted in history, truly a home for everyone.”
This article was written in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality.