Guatemala Unveils Historic Commemorative Plaque at the City of David, Reaffirming Ties to Biblical Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – The Republic of Guatemala held a festive ceremony on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the City of David National Park in Jerusalem, marking its official and historic recognition of the City of David—the historical site of Biblical Jerusalem—and its rich archaeological heritage as central to the ideals and values of the Guatemalan people.

Guatemala became the third country, following the United States (2021) and Argentina (2025), to officially recognize the City of David archaeological site as part of its national heritage and dedicate a permanent commemorative plaque at the site.

The ceremony celebrated the unveiling of an official Guatemalan commemorative plaque that will permanently stand at the City of David, symbolizing the longstanding friendship between Guatemala and Israel and honoring Jerusalem's historical and biblical significance.

Among those attending were Israeli Foreign Minister Mr. Gideon Sa'ar, U.S. Ambassador to Israel H.E. Mr. Mike Huckabee, Guatemalan Ambassador to Israel H.E. Mrs. Eva Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Mr Yaakov Hagoel, dignitaries and members of the Guatemalan Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials from the City of David Foundation, and guests from both countries. Following the ceremony, participants took part in a guided tour of the ancient archaeological site of the City of David.

Minister Sa'ar: "These are affirmations of historical truth" Speaking at the ceremony, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reflected on the timing of the event, held one day after Tisha B'Av, the Jewish day of mourning marking the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

"Yesterday we remembered what was lost, destroyed by the hands of foreign occupiers. Today we reaffirm what can never be taken from us: our history, our heritage."

Sa'ar described Guatemala's recognition of the City of David as far more than a diplomatic gesture.

"These are not merely diplomatic gestures. They are affirmations of historical truth. The truth that the Jewish people are indigenous to this land. The City of David is one of the world's most important archaeological sites. It is a symbol of Jewish history, Jewish sovereignty, our culture, our ingenuity, and our faith."

Addressing ongoing disputes over Jewish heritage sites, Sa'ar criticized international efforts to challenge the historical connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

"The evidence found here is not a matter of belief or opinion. It is tangible, scientific, and undeniable... They are trying to fabricate an entirely false narrative, erasing and denying the Jewish connection to this land."

He concluded by emphasizing that archaeology continues to reveal historical truth regardless of political developments.

"If you dig deep enough, the truth is revealed... Layer after layer, stone after stone, the earth itself bears witness to the history of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. No political resolution can erase that. No voting in international organizations can change what lies beneath our feet."

Guatemalan Ambassador  Mrs. Eva Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso : "From this day forward, Guatemala becomes part of this remarkable place"

Guatemala was the second country to recognize Israel and was the second country to move its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018. Guatemalan Ambassador to Israel Mrs. Eva Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso described the ceremony as a milestone in the relationship between the two countries.

"From this day forward, Guatemala becomes part of this remarkable place, affirming a friendship that has endured through time and will continue to grow stronger for generations to come. This year, Guatemala and Israel proudly celebrate 78 years of diplomatic relations."

The Ambassador highlighted Guatemala's historic support for Israel, recalling that Guatemala was the second country in the world to recognize the newly established State of Israel.

"Our friendship dates back to the earliest days of the State of Israel, when Guatemala had the honor of becoming the second country in the world to recognize the newly established State of Israel. Since then, our nations have built a relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation, and a sincere friendship that has endured nearly eight decades."

She said the newly unveiled plaque would permanently commemorate that friendship.

"History has brought Guatemala and Israel together in a unique and enduring way... From this day forward, this plaque will stand as a lasting symbol of the friendship between Guatemala and Israel... Today we reaffirm the enduring friendship between Guatemala and Israel and our profound respect for Jerusalem's history, heritage, and significance to humanity."

The plaque was dedicated by Guatemalan President César Bernardo Arévalo de León and unveiled on his behalf by Guatemalan Ambassador to Israel, Eva Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso.

"The stones themselves have affirmed every single aspect of that history" U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mr. Mike Huckabee praised the archaeological discoveries at the City of David, calling the site one of the world's most significant confirmations of the biblical record.

"The City of David is the mothership of archaeological discovery that affirms the authority and the veracity of Holy Scripture... The stones themselves have affirmed every single aspect of that history."

Referring to Guatemala's participation in the project, Huckabee said the country was publicly embracing its historic bond with Jerusalem.

"Today, for the nation of Guatemala to put its own flag here at the City of David... Guatemala has discovered and now is unafraid and unashamed to say to the world: Guatemala has roots here as well."

He concluded by reaffirming the United States' position regarding Jerusalem.

"There is no other capital for the Jewish state than Yerushalayim... Yerushalayim is, in fact, the capital of the State of Israel."

"History is not for sale" World Zionist Organization Chairman Mr. Yaakov Hagoel described the City of David as the heart of Jewish history and identity.

"We stand here today in the beating heart of the Jewish people... The stones and the dust before our eyes are the birth certificate and identity of the Jewish people."

Recalling the story of Napoleon's reaction to Jews mourning the destruction of Jerusalem, Hagoel declared:

"Napoleon was right. The Jewish people returned home. And from this home we will never move again."

He thanked Guatemala for what he described as its moral courage in standing with Israel.

"At a time when there are still those trying to rewrite history and sever the Jewish people's connection to its roots, the Republic of Guatemala stands firm and demonstrates uncompromising moral and historical courage... Today, through your official and historic recognition of the City of David and its biblical truth, you are telling the entire world: history is not for sale, and the Jewish people's connection to Jerusalem is beyond dispute." 

Mr. David Be’eri, Founder and Chairman of the City of David Foundation , described Guatemala’s decision as far more than a diplomatic gesture, calling it a recognition of the historical truth uncovered by decades of archaeological research. Addressing the distinguished guests, he said:

“We are standing on the top of King David’s Palace… We continue to dig and to discover, to find inscriptions, names, that nobody can deny… Every year we bring 10,000 young pupils to dig, to discover, and it becomes their own history. I’m not telling them the history—they’re telling me what they discovered. It belongs to them. I am sure that in a few years, millions of people every year will come to see history come alive, the facts on the ground.”

Opening the ceremony, Mr Ze’ev Orenstein, director of international affairs at the City of David Foundation reflected on the biblical significance of Jerusalem and welcomed Guatemala’s decision to commemorate its enduring connection to the site. Emphasizing the spiritual importance of the occasion, he stated:

“King Solomon offered a prayer… He prayed that when the nations would come to Jerusalem, when they would pray here in Jerusalem to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that God should specifically answer their prayers, so that the nations would know that in Jerusalem is a source of blessing. And that prayer is still being heard and answered today as we gather here together… First and foremost today, Guatemala. And in this act of friendship, may God continue to bless you, Ambassador, the President, and all the great people of Guatemala for this act of friendship. May it bring peace, blessing, and prosperity to you and to your nation.”

Archaeology, diplomacy and shared heritage

Among the distinguished guests were members of a special Guatemalan congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Lucretia Samayoa and Pedro Li, Deputy Chairman of the Israel–Guatemala Friendship Caucus. They were joined by Guatemala’s Honorary Consul, Rami Levy, as well as Yifat Ovadia-Luski, Chair of the Department for Combating Antisemitism at the World Zionist Organization, Mr. Hernan Feldman  of the  Jewish National Fund-Keren Kayemet Le’Israel (JNF-KKL), Mr. Amir Ofek - Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Director General of the Israel-Latin America Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Miriam Berger, Mr. Gabriel Hayon - Chairman of the Diplomatic Institute. The delegation joined senior Israeli officials, diplomats, and representatives of the City of David Foundation in marking Guatemala’s historic recognition of the City of David and its enduring friendship with the State of Israel.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, presentation of commemorative gifts to the Guatemalan delegation, official photographs, and a guided tour through the archaeological excavations of the ancient City of David. The City of David is widely regarded as the archaeological site of ancient Biblical Jerusalem, where excavations over recent decades have uncovered remains dating back thousands of years. During the tour, participants viewed some of Jerusalem's most significant archaeological discoveries, highlighting the site's central role in the history of Biblical Jerusalem and in the ongoing archaeological research being conducted there.

The event underscored both the close diplomatic relationship between Guatemala and Israel and the symbolic significance that both countries attach to Jerusalem's historical and archaeological heritage.

Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com congratulate H.E. Ambassador Eva Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso, the Embassy of Guatemala in Israel, the Government and people of Guatemala, and the distinguished Guatemalan delegation on this historic milestone. Also we express our sincere appreciation to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the City of David Foundation for hosting an inspiring ceremony that celebrates the enduring friendship, shared heritage, and longstanding diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the State of Israel