Yom Yerushalayim

In the spirit of Yom Yerushalayim, I wanted to share with you the link (and transcript) of the broadcast of the paratroopers as they first reached the Kotel and Har HaBayit in 1967, forty-two years ago today. It's really an incredible broadcast to listen to, if your Hebrew is up to it, otherwise, the English translation is found below. You can hear the paratroopers' reactions at first seeing the Kotel, Rav Goren blowing the Shofar and leading everyone in the Brakha of Shehekheiyanu, followed by the singing of Hatikva. You can also watch it on the video posted below.

The link can be found by clicking here. Another good site with some reflections of paratroopers at that moment can be found by clicking here.



If you think about it, since Churban Beit Hamikdash, for most of Jewish History, Yerushalayim has lain in ruins. Even when we established the State of Israel in 1948, we lost the Old City, the Kotel and Har Habayit to the Jordanians, who destroyed many of the batei knesset and holy sites during their reign over the Old City from 1948-1967. Today, walking around the Old City, it is amazing to see the many Jewish homes, the Yeshivot and Midrashot filled with men and women learning Torah and destroyed batei knesset (like the Churvah) being rebuilt. One can see the nevuot of Zekharia (8:4-5) of עוד ישבו זקנים וזקנות ברחבות ירושלים... ילדים וילדות משחקים ברחבותיה coming true in front of our eyes! These tremendous opportunities all started in 1967, and that is what we are saying Hallel for on Yom Yerushalayim. Chag Sameach!!