BBC Olympic Site Refrains from Recognizing Jerusalem

As you may know, a controversy has erupted around the BBC’s Olympic website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/countries), which refrains from identifying Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. Each country profile on the BBC's website for the 2012 London Olympics contains basic information, including a map, country capital and picture. It refers to Jerusalem as the “Seat of Israel’s government -- though most foreign embassies are in Tel Aviv.”

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, among others, has reacted negatively to this designation. His statement:
"Throughout the history of Jerusalem, with over a dozen conquerors, only the Jewish people have called the Holy City of Jerusalem our capital. Jerusalem today, under Israeli sovereignty, has returned to the role it played 2000-3000 years ago. There is unprecedented freedom of movement and religion and the world is welcome and encouraged to enjoy the beauty and majesty of Jerusalem. We will not accept those who deny our history, our sovereignty, and our right to determine our own capital. Irrespective of the BBC's political agenda, Jerusalem was, is, and will always be the capital of Israel and the spiritual, political, and physical center of the Jewish people."

The international community, including the United States, does not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and stipulates that its status should be determined through negotiations. The BBC, however, is not a diplomatic entity and it could simply accept the “capital” designation as Israel has requested. If you wish to encourage the BBC to do so, please use this link:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/3701180.stm