As we proceed to course of the trauma of October seventh and struggle a conflict that also rages on a number of fronts, it might sound tough—even inappropriate—to speak about celebration. However now, greater than ever, we should take a second to replicate, acknowledge, and provides thanks. That’s exactly why the celebration of Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day—the day we miraculously reunited our everlasting capital—isn’t just vital, it’s important.
It’s important as a result of the very existence of the Jewish folks defies logic.
It’s important as a result of the very existence of the fashionable State of Israel defies logic.
And it’s important as a result of the liberation of Jerusalem, Hebron, Judea, Samaria, and the Golan Heights within the Six-Day Struggle of 1967 is among the most seen and highly effective shows of divine windfall and historic justice in fashionable instances.
We owe it to ourselves—and to our youngsters—to always remember that we live in a time of open miracles.
-The Miracles of 1967: A Fashionable-Day Exodus
Let’s be trustworthy. In 1967, the Jewish state was tiny, weak, and surrounded by Arab armies that have been armed to the enamel and overtly declaring their intention to wipe us off the map. The Egyptian, Syrian, and Jordanian militaries have been backed by the Soviet Union and much outnumbered us in tanks, planes, and troops.
And but, in simply six days, the IDF not solely defended Israel’s existence however defeated three Arab armies and tripled the dimensions of the nation. We didn’t simply survive—we returned dwelling. To the Kotel. To the Temple Mount. To Hebron. To Shilo. To Beit El. To our biblical heartland—Judea and Samaria.
You need to discuss miracles? Let’s have a look at just some:
The Preemptive Airstrike: Israel launched Operation Focus and destroyed the Egyptian Air Drive—over 400 planes—in three hours. With out air cowl, the Arab armies have been paralyzed.
Jerusalem Liberated: Jordan, which may have stayed out of the conflict, attacked. That fateful mistake gave Israel the chance to reunite Jerusalem for the primary time in 2,000 years. IDF paratroopers reached the Temple Mount. And Motta Gur’s phrases echoed by Jewish historical past: “Har HaBayit b’yadeinu!” — The Temple Mount is in our arms!
Hebron Surrendered And not using a Combat: Anticipating fierce resistance, Israeli forces entered Hebron—and have been met with white flags. The town of the Patriarchs was returned to Jewish arms with out a single bullet fired.
Divine Climate: Within the Sinai, Israeli tanks unknowingly drove into an Egyptian ambush. Abruptly, a sandstorm blew in—blinding the Egyptian forces and permitting our troopers to move safely.
The Collapse of the Enemy: Egyptian and Syrian armies—demoralized and disoriented—started to retreat with out even participating. In some circumstances, IDF troopers discovered deserted tanks and weapons with no struggle.
A Struggle Fought on Three Fronts… and Gained: North, south, and east—in opposition to all odds. Regardless of being outnumbered in each measurable manner, the IDF achieved whole victory in six days.
From Defeat to Redemption: The Everlasting Story of the Jewish Folks
These weren’t simply army victories. They have been open miracles, no much less important than the parting of the Pink Sea or the autumn of Jericho. However not like in historic instances, they occurred in our time, and many people have members of the family who witnessed them firsthand.
Once we rejoice Jerusalem Day, we aren’t ignoring the ache we’re experiencing at this time. Quite the opposite—we’re placing it in context. We’re remembering that regardless of how darkish issues get, we’re a nation that has already come again from the brink of annihilation numerous instances.
And every time, we didn’t simply survive—we returned stronger, extra united, extra rooted in our divine mission.
Gratitude within the Midst of Struggle
Sure, October seventh shattered the phantasm of safety. It uncovered deep failures in our protection and intelligence management and left gaping emotional wounds in our folks. And sure, we’re nonetheless combating—not simply Hamas, not simply Hezbollah, however a world marketing campaign to delegitimize our proper to exist, not to mention to defend ourselves.
But when we lose sight of the miracles, if we lose sight of the blessings, we danger dropping one thing even larger: our nationwide soul.
We should train our youngsters not simply methods to struggle, however why we struggle. We should remind them that we’re a part of a narrative that started with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and continues by us. We’re a technology of Jewish warriors—whether or not with tanks or with fact, with rifles or with religion—chosen to hold the torch of Jewish future.
Why Yom Yerushalayim Nonetheless Issues
Jerusalem Day isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a message. A reminder. A name to gratitude.
In 1948, we declared independence—however we didn’t achieve entry to our holiest website. In 1967, we returned to the guts of our peoplehood. That’s not simply geopolitics. That’s God conserving His promise.
And at this time, as we struggle one other existential conflict, we should pause—if just for a second—to say thank You. To acknowledge that we aren’t alone. That the identical God who gave us victory in 1967 nonetheless walks with us at this time. That the identical miracles that cut up the skies over the Sinai can shine mild into the darkness of our instances.
We live in probably the most difficult, but in addition probably the most *miraculous* chapter of contemporary Jewish historical past.
So sure, we rejoice. We dance. We sing. We wave our flags by the streets of Jerusalem not as a result of we’re naïve, however as a result of we’re grateful. As a result of we imagine. As a result of we all know Who introduced us dwelling—and Who won’t ever abandon us.
Might we proceed to see open miracles in our time. Might we advantage true and full redemption. And will we at all times have the energy to be grateful—even within the midst of the storm.
Jerusalem is in our arms. Let’s by no means let go.
Now it’s time to give attention to the subsequent step, creating the attention to rebuild the Third Temple.
