Yom Yerushalayim – From 1967 Until Today

Yom Yerushalayim – From 1967 Until Today

Yom Yerushalayim is one of the most meaningful days in the Jewish calendar—especially to me. It marks the miraculous reunification of Jerusalem during the Six Day War in 1967, a moment that forever altered Jewish history and rekindled our deep connection to our eternal capital.

In 1967, the miracle happened. After years of exile and longing, Israeli soldiers courageously liberated the Old City, and Har HaBayit (the Temple Mount) returned to our hands. The powerful declaration “Har HaBayit b’yadeinu”—”The Temple Mount is in our hands”—echoed across generations, reaffirming our unbreakable bond to Jerusalem.

Some soldiers had never seen the Kotel before and did not recognize it upon arrival. The significance of its return cannot be overstated. Before the war, it was often referred to as the “Wailing Wall”—a mistranslation reflecting the emotion people felt there. Today, we simply say “the Kotel” or “Kotel HaMa’aravi.” I have an old photograph showing just how small the space around the Kotel once was.

I was 9 years old at the time of the Six-Day War, but the memories I carry from then until now have shaped my view of Yom Yerushalayim. Many of these recollections may differ from those of others around the world, yet they remain deeply personal and profoundly impactful.

Sadly, Yom Yerushalayim is not a national holiday in Israel, which diminishes its importance in the public eye. Given the miraculous nature of the victory, I believe this was a mistake—just as handing over control of the Temple Mount to the Waqf was. Today, we see the consequences, with international bodies denying any Jewish connection to our holiest site.

General Uzi Narkiss z”l, one of the iconic figures of the war, recorded a testimony about the capture of Jerusalem shortly before his passing. He appears in the famous photo alongside Moshe Dayan and Yitzchak Rabin entering the Old City. I strongly recommend watching his account:

Here are some of my personal memories from the time of the Six Day War and the first Yom Yerushalayim:

• My father z”l went to shul on Monday night for a fundraiser, where people pledged generously. General Avraham Yoffe spoke and signed autographs, which were copied and sold to raise funds.
• A pop-up shop was opened. My father, though he couldn’t afford to, stopped working to help. He hung his jacket on a peg, only to find at day’s end it had been sold. My mother was delighted—she’d wanted him to replace it for years!
• Shuls opened for blood donations, and people emptied their first-aid kits and the shops of stock. Sadly, we faced similar scenes after October 7th.
• People clung to their radios. There was no 24-hour news cycle then. One relative, unable to get updates, was told at work that “Morris Judge said it’s all over”—a coded message indicating Moshe Dayan had declared victory.
• Michael Elkins, the BBC’s correspondent (sign of the times – an American Jew proud of his heritage), noticed his military neighbour home for lunch early on the Monday. Realizing something was afoot, he reported the story—though CBS initially doubted his story.
• I attended Rosh Pinah Primary School in Edgware, where  we had learnt a new song “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav.” Shortly after, we added a new verse reflecting Jerusalem’s reunification. A few weeks later, there was a special event for the Jewish Day schools, reinforcing the importance of what had happened to  a nine-year-old.

A friend, Stephen, recalled standing near the border situated near the Old City just before the war when someone pulled him back suddenly. When he asked why he was pulled sharply, it was explained that Jordanian snipers had been known to target those near the border. Tragically, a neighbour of ours lost a young relative in just such a circumstance.

We must appreciate what we have today. It was not always this way.

The first time I visited the Kotel was in January 1968, and again in the summer of 1973. I was confused by the difference—then realized the plaza hadn’t yet been built in 1968.

For those wanting to explore the miracles of the war, I recommend The Six-Day War Scroll by Dr Hagi Ben-Artzi, which details the events from the first day onward, including the air force’s surprise attack on Egypt. For all these miracles, we need a dedicated day to thank Hashem.

In 1967, a poster called “The Great Moment” (Rav Goren blowing the shofar at the Kotel) was proudly displayed in windows across Jewish neighbourhoods. That would be unthinkable in London today. In 1973, Rav Goren visited Edgware and stayed with my late Auntie Alma and Uncle Sol zl. He wore his iconic military uniform when he came to  our Shool. The memory left a deep impression on me.

A United States. general once remarked that West Point does not study the Six-Day War—not due to its irrelevance, but because it was a war of miracles, not just tactics. Rabbi Noson Sachs, a friend and neighbour who served as a U.S. Army chaplain in Frankfurt, confirmed this story.

The year 2017 was the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification. Mizrachi organized a few days before a major event at Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem, hosted by Rabbi Doron Perez—whose son Daniel, HyD, is still being held in Gaza. We must continue to pray and for the return of all the hostages. That evening, with its array of speakers and concluding Shwekey concert, was unforgettable. Watch here.

There, I met the three soldiers forever linked to the iconic image of Rav Goren blowing theThe six-day war scroll.The six-day war scroll. shofar at the Kotel. They were frequently photographed leading up to the 50^th anniversary and often asked, “Do we still have to stand where we were in 1967?” The answer was always a resounding yes. I keep that photo in my home.

But nothing compares to that Yom Yerushalayim itself. The Kotel was packed for Shacharit, with one unified service. The sense of togetherness and devotion was indescribable. On my way down to the Kotel, I met UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis—unrecognized by most, as few Brits were present. Ironically, I was blessed by a neighbour from London during Birkat Kohanim who was when he arrived stood near me.

The afternoon continued with the Rikud Degalim (flag march), where we people gather at  various points in Yerushalayim, singing and dancing with their flags, culminating in a ceremony at the Kotel. Amazingly it was followed by another Shwekey concert. When he sang “Rachem,” gazing at Har HaBayit, the atmosphere was electric. My wife and I still wonder how we stood for so long. Perhaps that’s adrenaline—or maybe it was just the spirit of the day.

My flag was taken back to  England where it hung proudly until 2020. The flag made Aliyah with us and was then flown outside our flat.

This year, I look forward to celebrating at my shul, Menorat HaMaor in Ramat Beit Shemesh. One day, I hope to spend Yom Yerushalayim once again in Jerusalem and recapture the joy of that unforgettable celebration.

Yom Yerushalayim is not merely a celebration of military triumph; it is a testament to faith, perseverance, and unity. Jerusalem has always symbolized hope. Even during exile and suffering, it remained etched in the hearts of Jews worldwide. Today, we honour this sacred city and renew our commitment to its future as Israel’s undivided capital.

May this Yom Yerushalayim inspire us to deepen our love for Jerusalem and strive for a future filled with blessings from Hashem, the Mashiach, peace, and unity.

Wishing you a Chag Sameach.

And as we say at the Seder: L’shana Haba’a B’Yerushalayim HaBenuyah.