45th Jerusalem Day - May 20, 2012

Other than the Feast Holidays, the best day to be in Jerusalem is on Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day).  As wonderful as Israel Independence Day is, there is just something even more special about Jerusalem Day.  The sense of pride and comradery is something to behold.  

As most know, Israel took back Eastern Jerusalem (including the Old City) during the Six Day War in 1967.  Jerusalem Day is a celebration of the undivided capital of Israel - Jerusalem - God's covenant city.  

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke some excellent truths at Ammunition Hill:

“We will protect Jerusalem, because Israel without Jerusalem is like a body without a heart,” the prime minister said. “On this hill, 45 years ago, the united heart of our people began to beat again, with full power. Our heart will never be divided again.”

“Our generation had a great privilege – we saw the words of the prophets come true,” he declared. “We saw the rise of Zion, the return of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel, the in-gathering of exiles, and our return to Jerusalem.”

“We will make sure Jerusalem’s golden light will shine on our people, and spread the light of Jerusalem to the whole world.”

We took lots of photos and video to share, we hope you will enjoy, and feel like you are with us.  And maybe consider coming to visit some year for Jerusalem Day???

We took a bus into city center, and got off at the intersection of King George where the Prima Kings Hotel is.  The entire street of King George was blocked off for the "Flag Dance".  There were two stages set up with live bands in the road, one in front of the Great Synagogue for the men, and then farther down toward Ben Yehuda for the women.  For those in the flag dance, this joy and happiness is enjoyed without drinking and partying, same with at the Western Wall.  Just pure, modest fun.  

The band for the men's flag dance.

Crowd in the street in from of the Great Synagogue and Leonardo Plaza Hotel.

Heading down the street to where the women were dancing.

Near Ben Yehuda Street looking back up King George toward the Great Synagogue.

Same as video.

They used double buses to block the streets off from traffic.

In the intersection near the Old City (in background).  This was the dividing line before 1967.  We are all waiting for the flag dance to pass by on their way to the Western Wall Plaza.  The men will enter one gate, and the women will enter another, meeting at the Wall.

Really cool vehicles - police, emergency or military.

This man asked to borrow our flag (so did many others) to have his picture proudly taken with his son.  People come from all over the nation and world to celebrate Jerusalem Day.

Of course, security was everywhere.

We now head down to Jaffa Gate to make our way to the Western Wall through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City.

And through the Armenian Quarter.

Truly watchmen on the Walls - these two women pray on the walls

 of the Old City facing the Western Wall.

Western Wall (HaKotel) Plaza.

There was a band set up ready for the dancing.

Many went to the Wall to pray.

And let the fun begin.

It was quite a crowd when it was time to leave.

And going back through the Jewish Quarter.

This is the first time we'd ever been in a crowd this tight....

It is an honor and a privilege to daily witness the "words of the prophets come true" as we watch with our own eyes as the song says -  "the Lord is building Jerusalem, gathering together the outcasts of Israel, healing broken hearts, binding up their wounds, the Lord is building up Jerusalem!"  How blessed are we, that we get to take part in fulfilling this???

Thank you to those who choose to partner with what we are doing here.  We are making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.  As those who were cast out of Israel return to their Land, we help with supplies for their homes, clothes and financially when needed.  All the time pointing them to the Word showing them they were fulfilling prophesy when they chose to come home to Israel.  For those who have been victims of the Holocaust or victims of terror (rockets and bombings within Israel) along with helping them practically, we are sharing the compassion and love of the Father to heal their broken hearts and bind up their wounds.  Our goal is to be the Face, Hands and Arms of Compassion Himself to the Jewish people.

Even as John the Baptist prepared the hearts of the people for the arrival of Jesus, we also are compelled to do the same:  "prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way of My people.” - Isaiah 57:14  And even as Jesus ascended to Heaven from Jerusalem, He promises to return here as well.  Come Jesus come! Bo Yeshua Bo!

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!

⁶ If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.  

Psalm 137: 5-6