Jewish leaders on Long Island had positive reactions to the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on Monday.

"To see Jerusalem recognized as a capital state is a dream come true," says Rabbi Charles Klein, from the Merrick Jewish Centre.

The town of Hempstead joined with representatives from the Israeli consulate to raise the Israeli flag and show solidarity with the people of Israel.

The embassy's status has been a central point of contention in peace talks for decades.  President Donald Trump made the decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem back in December, and since then, Jewish leaders have been waiting in anticipation for that moment.

But the decision to move the embassy has upset Palestinians and touched off protests and violence near the Gaza border.

Mohammed Rahman, president of the Long Island Muslim Society in East Meadow, says more work needs to be done to resolve the conflict.

"They should learn how to live with each other in peace and harmony so no mother has to lose any child," says Rahman.

Klein, from the Merrick Jewish Center, agrees there should be peace -- but says the clashes need to stop.

"If the Palestinians would say today, 'We want peace,' there would be peace within a week," says Klein.