Celebrating Jerusalem Day: The Eternal Heart of the Jewish People. 🇮🇱✡️♥️

Jerusalem Day, or Yom Yerushalayim, is a profound celebration of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable bond between the Jewish people and their eternal capital. Observed annually on the 28th of Iyar, i to its unity and sovereignty.

Jerusalem is more than a city; it is the soul of the Jewish people. For over 3,000 years, it has been the focal point of Jewish prayer, longing, and identity. King David established it as the capital of ancient Israel, and his son Solomon built the First Temple, making it the spiritual epicenter of Jewish life. Even through exile, destruction, and foreign rule, Jews never ceased to pray, “Next year in Jerusalem.” The reunification of the city in 1967, when Israeli forces liberated the Old City and the Western Wall from Jordanian control, was a historic fulfillment of that ancient hope—a miracle that resonated across generations.

Today, Jerusalem stands as a vibrant testament to Israel’s strength and determination. It is a city where ancient stones whisper history, and modern innovation thrives. The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and its governmental institutions anchor Jerusalem as the political capital of the Jewish state. The Western Wall, a sacred remnant of the Second Temple, draws millions of worshippers and visitors, Jews and non-Jews alike, who come to pray and marvel at its enduring presence. From the bustling markets of Mahane Yehuda to the serene slopes of Mount Scopus, Jerusalem embodies a unique blend of tradition and progress, faith and freedom.

Jerusalem Day also reminds us of Israel’s commitment to preserving the city as a place of inclusivity and coexistence. Under Israeli sovereignty, Jerusalem has flourished as a haven for religious freedom. Christians, Muslims, and Jews can worship freely, with access to their holy sites—a stark contrast to the era of Jordanian control, when Jews were barred from the Old City, and synagogues were desecrated. Israel’s stewardship ensures that Jerusalem remains a city for all, while its status as the undivided capital of the Jewish state remains non-negotiable.

Yet, this celebration is not without challenges. Jerusalem remains a focal point of political and ideological contention. Critics of Israel often challenge its rightful claim to the city, ignoring the deep historical and biblical connection that predates modern conflicts. On Jerusalem Day, we stand firm in defending Israel’s sovereignty, rejecting efforts to divide the city or undermine its status. The Jewish people’s right to their capital is rooted in history, affirmed by faith, and secured through sacrifice.

As we celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, let us honor the soldiers who fought to liberate Jerusalem, the pioneers who rebuilt it, and the millions who continue to cherish it as the heart of Israel. Let us also look forward with hope, envisioning a future where Jerusalem remains a beacon of peace, unity, and strength. As the Psalmist declared, “Jerusalem is built as a city that is bound firmly together” (Psalm 122:3). May it forever remain so—whole, eternal, and proudly the capital of the Jewish state.

Matthew Narh Tetteh is the author of The Modern Jewish State of Israel: The Jews and Israel