A Journey to Jerusalem and to Ourselves- for Soldiers and Security Personnel

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation runs this special program for soldiers and other security personnel, bringing groups of soldiers from different army units for a day tour of our capital.  This crucial program has been in existence since 1999, and has so far brought 121,846 soldiers - officers, fighting troops, and support troops – to an exciting day of strengthening their identity as defenders of Jerusalem.
Unfortunately, the disturbing reality is that thousands of soldiers from the IDF have never visited the Western Wall.  The goal of this project is to bring soldiers to Jerusalem, the Western Wall, and the City of David to try to connect them to their roots.  We choose significant sites that convey both the ancient and the modern to explain the yearning behind the age-old phrase "Next Year in Jerusalem", uttered by generations of Jews around the world.  Thus, the soldiers can comprehend the continuing link between the Jewish people and Jerusalem - Israel’s eternal capital.
During this informative and affecting tour, the soldiers undergo a very personal exploration of their own perspectives regarding Zionism and Judaism.  For many soldiers, this tour affords them their first opportunity to grapple with some of the basic tenets of their identity.  The visit, therefore, adds a crucial historical and spiritual component to their military service.
The following was written in a letter we received from Air Force Base 6 Flight Battalion,

"The soldiers' exposure to the historical legacies, battle sites, and scenic overlooks of the city accomplished the very valuable goal of demonstrating to the group the necessity and legality of Jerusalem as our capital city"

An officer of an artillery unit that took part in the program wrote,

"The soldiers in my unit greatly enriched their knowledge about Jerusalem.  For some of them, this was their first visit to the holy city.  I wish to thank all of you who dedicate yourselves to this selfless task for the organization of the tour, the educational messages, and feeling of oneness the program fostered in my unit."

To help support this significant initiative, please click here.