ISRAEL/PALESTINE/RELIGION/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “While the opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem has triggered violence and political debate this week, it also stands as a sharp reminder of the close ties between the Trump administration and evangelical Christians — and of the victories that Mr. Trump has delivered for his evangelical base. Against a backdrop of violence on the Gaza border, with Israeli soldiers killing dozens of Palestinians, a who’s who of Mr. Trump’s evangelical backers were present in Jerusalem to celebrate the formal relocation of the embassy from Tel Aviv on Monday. The split-screen images of fury and jubilee were striking, with many of the American guests trying to keep the focus on the achievement of their long-held goal.For the religious right, opening an American Embassy in Jerusalem is as significant as when Mr. Trump nominated Neil M. Gorsuch as a Supreme Court Justice. Evangelicals viewed the conservative-leaning judge as likely to advance their anti-abortion cause. But Mr. Trump has taken other steps that have gratified his evangelical supporters. He personally supported the March for Life, an anti-abortion group; increased the ability of churches to organize politically; and moved against transgender protections throughout the government.”
-Elizabeth Dias, “Amid Debate and Violence, Trump Delivers Embassy Victory to Christian Base,” The New York Times online, May 15, 2018