Jerusalem Pays Tribute to Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos During the Official Celebrations for Jerusalem Day

Israel’s highest rabbinical authorities highlighted the international work carried out by the president of the Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center on behalf of Jerusalem, Israel, and the strengthening of ties with Latin America.

Jerusalem, Israel – May 14, 2026

As part of the official celebrations for Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim), the national holiday commemorating the reunification of the city and the recovery of the Old City after the Six-Day War of 1967, the highest spiritual and civil authorities of the State of Israel took part in a moving gathering dedicated to recognizing the work of those who contribute to the international and spiritual strengthening of Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people.

The gathering was marked by a deep atmosphere of solemnity, brotherly love, and institutional recognition. Among those present were Chief Rabbi of Israel David Yosef, Chief Rabbi David Lau, members of the Great Rabbinical Court, court presidents, rabbinical judges, rabbis from various Israeli cities, government ministers, members of the Knesset, and prominent figures in national public life.

One of the meeting’s central figures was the president and founder of the Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center, Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos, whose international work in favor of Israel and of Jerusalem was highlighted by several authorities present during the celebrations.

“My house is your house.”

One of the day’s most moving moments took place when Chief Rabbi David Lau addressed words directly dedicated to Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos, in which he publicly expressed his admiration and affection.

“Distinguished rabbis, distinguished Rabbi Moshé Bakshi Dorón, who carries on his father’s light; and distinguished Dr. José Benjamín Pérez, to whom I wish to say just one phrase. I do not know how to speak Spanish, but I do know one phrase I want to say to you: “Mi casa es su casa.” Your home is my home. Jerusalem is the home of the entire Jewish people. And so, Jerusalem is our home, the home of all of us. And you have the merit of awakening us and bringing us joy on this day of the Jerusalem holiday.”

The Chief Rabbi’s words were received with particular emotion by those present and constituted one of the most significant public recognitions made during the celebration.

In turn, Israel’s Chief Rabbi David Yosef, offered a special blessing to all in attendance on a day of deep spiritual significance for Jerusalem and the people of Israel.

Honoring International Work in Support of Jerusalem

During the gathering, Rabbi Moshe Bakshi Doron also took the stage, drawing on the Sacred Scriptures to reflect on the importance of community leadership and the responsibility of those who work toward strengthening Jerusalem and the State of Israel.

Speaking directly to Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos, he highlighted the geopolitical, social, and international impact of the actions he has been developing on behalf of Israel, with a particular focus on one of the most important projects driven by the Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center: promoting the relocation of foreign embassies to Jerusalem.

As noted during the ceremony, this effort represents one of the most significant international initiatives undertaken by the institution to strengthen the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.

Likewise, the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Zevadia Cohen, invited those present to reflect on the holiness of Jerusalem and the spiritual meaning of a city that, in his words, was chosen by God among the nations.

A Renewed Commitment to Israel and to Jerusalem

Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos himself brought the meeting to a close, thanking those present for the expressions of affection and recognition shown throughout the day. Before an audience of some of Israel’s most prominent religious and public authorities, he reaffirmed his commitment to the State of Israel and to the city of Jerusalem on a date of tremendous historical and spiritual significance.

In his address, he stated that he will continue to strengthen the diplomatic and institutional bridges built over years of international work, paying special attention to Latin America and the Caribbean, and promoting initiatives aimed at broadening recognition of Jerusalem and strengthening ties between Israel and the regional nations.

Likewise, he also reiterated his support for projects aimed at relocating diplomatic representations to Jerusalem, a city he described as the eternal capital of the coming Kingdom.

The Jerusalem Day celebration was not only a historical commemoration of the city’s reunification, but also an opportunity to recognize those who actively work to strengthen its international presence and its spiritual significance for millions of people around the world.

The recognition and honor bestowed upon Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos are further evidence of the prestige and value that the work carried out by the Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center has attained in Israel, particularly in areas related to religious leadership, public diplomacy, and the strengthening of relations between Israel and Latin America.