Yom Yerushalayim - Jerusalem Day, the day we celebrate the reunification of the formerly split holy city, which occurred in June 1967. The reclaiming of the area afforded all religions the opportunity to visit its Old City and the ancient sites it contains. Observed as a day of visiting Jerusalem, taking part in educational lectures on its history and simply filling its streets with unbridled joy, the thoroughfares are filled with revelers, particularly at the site of the most treasured acquisition of the war: The Kotel, or Wailing Wall.
A jolt of pride coursed through my veins today as my teenage son relayed the events of his day. His class was one of hundreds taking part in Jerusalem's celebrations. As he described his class dancing and singing at King David's tomb, while Jews, Christians, and Muslims watched and recorded the spectacle, a flood washed over my inner homeostasis, a welcomed burst of emotion. It was one more reminder of why we are here, living life in the tumultuous Middle East, instead of in a calm American suburb. Our life of purpose is thrust to the surface here, along with a desire for sweet survival.
How could young men appreciate the mere joy of being, their footsteps walking a path that is no longer forbidden to their people. Dancing and singing songs of glory, immersing in the privilege that is still to this day one that teeters our country on the brink of war. Decades have not diluted the pure joy of a people reunited with their beloved city.
Here is a short clip from the day's festivities - straight from Jerusalem!
A jolt of pride coursed through my veins today as my teenage son relayed the events of his day. His class was one of hundreds taking part in Jerusalem's celebrations. As he described his class dancing and singing at King David's tomb, while Jews, Christians, and Muslims watched and recorded the spectacle, a flood washed over my inner homeostasis, a welcomed burst of emotion. It was one more reminder of why we are here, living life in the tumultuous Middle East, instead of in a calm American suburb. Our life of purpose is thrust to the surface here, along with a desire for sweet survival.
How could young men appreciate the mere joy of being, their footsteps walking a path that is no longer forbidden to their people. Dancing and singing songs of glory, immersing in the privilege that is still to this day one that teeters our country on the brink of war. Decades have not diluted the pure joy of a people reunited with their beloved city.
Here is a short clip from the day's festivities - straight from Jerusalem!
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