Today in History: Jerusalem Day

The Six-Day War stretched across six intense days, during which Israel seized significant territories in Sinai, Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and more. However, perhaps the most memorable and striking achievement of the war was the capture of Old Jerusalem.

The capture concluded on the third day of the war, on the 28th of Iyar, 5727, following a battle against the Jordanians over Jerusalem. Paratroopers from the 55th Brigade entered Old Jerusalem through the Lions' Gate and reached the Western Wall. At 10:00 AM, the brigade commander at the time, Motta Gur, delivered the famous announcement over the radio, "The Temple Mount is in our hands," and the Israeli flag was raised above the Western Wall.

For many years, Jews in Israel could not reach the Western Wall, but now that possibility opened up, and Jews began to flock to the Wall to give thanks and pray. From then on, the plaza never remained empty of Jews.