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Jared Kushner spoke at the U.S. embassy dedication ceremony in Jerusalem on Monday, saying "it's time to try something better" to achieve peace in the Middle East.
In December, Trump ordered the State Department to begin moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians. The move has inflamed tensions across the Middle East.
“I am so proud to be here today in Jerusalem, the eternal heart of the Jewish people. And I am especially honored to be here today as a representative of the 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump," said Kushner , who is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a White House adviser.
He called for unity and said that Jerusalem must remain a city that brings people of all faiths together.
Kushner said other presidents have pledged to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, but Trump actually did it because he keeps his promise.
He noted another promise that Trump kept last week: withdrawing the U.S. from the "dangerous, flawed and one-sided" Iran nuclear deal.
"Iran's aggression threatens the many peace-loving citizens throughout the region and the world," Kushner said. "From Israel to Jordan to Egypt to Saudi Arabia and beyond, many leaders are fighting to modernize their countries and create better lives for their people. In confronting common threats, and in pursuit of common interests, previously unimaginable opportunities and alliances are emerging."
Kushner, who has been leading efforts to broker an Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal, said the embassy move does not reflect a departure from America's commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East.
"I believe peace is within reach if we dare to believe that the future can be different from the past, that we are not condemned to relive history and that the way things were is not how they must forever be," Kushner said. "It will not be an easy road, and it will be filled with difficult moments and tough decisions. But if we dream big, if we lead with courage, we can change the trajectory for millions from hopeless to boundless."