Every year on the 28th of Iyar, the day on which Jerusalem was reunified, we celebrate its liberation.  Thousands upon thousands of Jews come up to Jerusalem. They march down its streets while singing, dancing, and waving flags – making their way to the Old City and the Kotel.  The Western Wall Plaza fills to capacity with revelers, throngs of celebrants waving Israeli flags, dancing to live music in circles as far as the eye can see. 

During the 19 years between the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the Six Day War in 1967, Jerusalem – Israel’s capital – was divided in two.  One section was in Jewish hands, but the section that included the Western Wall and the Temple Mount remained in Jordanian hands.

On June 5th, 1967, the Six Day War broke out.  Two days later, a battle-weary, but determined IDF paratroopers brigade broke through the Old City walls and rushed in to liberate the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. 

For the first time, the Israeli flag was hoisted over the Temple Mount.  The excitement was palpable.  Motta Gur, the commander of the paratroopers, announced, "The Temple Mount is in our hands!"  The exhausted soldiers that had been fighting tirelessly for days, reached the Wall, touched the stones, and did not even attempt to hide their tears.

Sounds of the soldiers' cheers blended with the sounds of shofars.  The soldiers began spontaneously singing Naomi Shemer’s song, "Jerusalem of Gold".  Finally, the tired and excited soldiers joined in making the blessing, "She'hechiyanu Ve"kiymanu…" Blessed be You, O G-d our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has kept us in life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this moment.

After an incredibly emotional rendition of Israel's national anthem, HaTikva, Rav Goren completed the impromptu service with the words, "This year in Jerusalem!"

Wherever you will be on Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, log on and join us in celebrating the anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, our eternal capital.

This year in Jerusalem!