Israel celebrates reunification of Jerusalem

Wednesday, May 08, 2013 |  Israel Today Staff  

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Israelis on Wednesday marked Jerusalem Day, the 46th anniversary of the reunification of the city during the Six Day War.

Israel never intended to reunite Jerusalem when it launched a preemptive strike on the gathering armies of Egypt and Syria in 1967. But when Jordan's King Hussein succumbed to Egyptian pressure and opened a third front against the Jewish state, the opportunity to fulfill the hopes of generations presented itself.

Ever since the final Roman conquest nearly 2,000 years earlier, the Jewish people had hoped, prayed and dreamed about returning to and exercising sovereignty over their ancient, biblical capital.

Today, Jerusalem Day is marked with large parades through the cities streets and concerts at various public parks.

Jerusalem has always been the heart and soul of the Jewish nation, and it shows in the joyous way most Israelis engage in Jerusalem Day festivities.