Glimpses of Israel - Jerusalem Day

Celebrated on May 19 (28th day of Iyar), Jerusalem Day commemorates the occasion when the city was restored to the Jewish people. Between 1948 and 1967 Jordan occupied the eastern half of Jerusalem. The city was divided and the Jordanian government engaged in building strong defences along its boundary.

The battle for Jerusalem began on June 5, 1967, when Jordanian occupation forces suddenly opened fire on Israeli positions. However, within two days Israeli troops had broken through the Old City and raised a flag over the Western Wall. And as quickly as the battle started, it was over. None could believe that the city of Jerusalem, the city of King David and Solomon, was in Jewish hands; it was a miracle.

On the day of celebration, Jerusalem welcomes hundreds of thousands, many dressed in blue and white, and waving flags. The city resonates to the sounds of music and people rejoicing. The streets erupt with people singing and dancing in continuous circles. And at the Western Wall, the only remnant of the Temple, a huge crowd gathers to pray and give thanks. Here the people of Israel remember.

Surely, the mercies of the LORD endure for ever. Indeed, God has blessed His people with goodness and they are overwhelmed. Surely, those who hope in the LORD will see His salvation.

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'I am zealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with great zeal. I am exceedingly angry with the nations at ease; for I was a little angry, and they helped – but with evil intent.' Therefore thus says the LORD: 'I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it,' says the LORD of hosts, 'and a surveyor's line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.'" (Zechariah 1:14-16)