Today is Yom Yerushalayim - Jerusalem Day — is the most recent addition to the Hebrew calendar. It is celebrated on the 28th day of Iyar (six weeks after the Passover seder, one week before the eve of Shavuot). Although Jerusalem has been considered the capital city of the Jewish people since the time of King David — who conquered it and built it as the seat of his monarchy in approximately 1000 B.C.E.–there has never been a special day in honor of the city until the Israeli army took over the ancient, eastern part of the city on the third day of the Six-Day War in June 1967.
Shortly after the Six-Day War, “a municipal unification” of the two sections of the city took place, ending 19 years of separation between predominantly Arab and Jewish suburbs of Jerusalem, following the War of Independence in 1948.
Today we celebrate Yom Yerushalayim with a medley of songs of Jerusalem performed by a group of talented Israeli actors and singers led by producer and musical director Tomer Adaddi. This video clip is an excerpt from 70 Years in the Promised Land, an original production that was performed as part of the Spanish River Concerts in South Florida in February and March.
Enjoy!
A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS: THE VIDEO IS NOT VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY. YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.
So gorgeous and touching,brought tears to my eyes! So proud to be a Jew and celebrate the state of Israel!!
ReplyDeleteI remember the first Yom Yerushalayim. I was in Lafayette Park opposite the White House listening to speakers, one after another begging President Johnson to help Israel in those difficult days of the six day war. When the news came through that The IDF had reached the Kotel and it was in our hands, the entire scene was transformed into Rikudim and rejoicing.
ReplyDeleteI just want to point out that this was when I still lived in the U.S.,but I have been living in Yerushalayim Ir Hakodesh for the last 20 years.
DeleteEliyahu Berlin
Thank you for sharing with your readers this fantastic moment in our history.
ReplyDelete