By Gila Stern
Herut Member
On the 28th of Iyar, the Jewish people celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, a holiday that marks the reunification of Jerusalem following the Six-Day War in 1967. This day is a historical commemoration and a profound testament to the enduring bond between the Jewish people and their eternal capital. It is a moment to reflect on the miracles that restored Jewish sovereignty over the Old City and the Western Wall, sacred spaces that pulse with the heartbeat of Jewish history and faith. For organizations like Herut North America, Yom Yerushalayim is a rallying cry for unapologetic Zionism—a bold affirmation of Jewish self-determination and the unbreakable connection to Eretz Yisrael.
Jerusalem, mentioned over 660 times in the Tanach, has been Jewish life’s spiritual and national epicenter for three millennia. From King David’s establishment of the city as the capital to the prayers of exiles yearning for return, Jerusalem embodies the Jewish people’s resilience and hope. The Six-Day War, a pivotal moment in modern history, saw Israel reclaim East Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount, after 19 years of Jordanian control that barred Jews from their holiest sites. The image of Israeli paratroopers weeping at the Western Wall, liberated on June 7, 1967, remains a powerful symbol of restoration. Yom Yerushalayim celebrates this miracle when the city was made whole, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a reunited Zion.
Herut North America, an organization rooted in the legacy of Menachem Begin’s Herut party, champions an unapologetic Zionism that resonates deeply with the spirit of Jerusalem Day. Inspired by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Begin’s vision emphasized Jewish pride, self-reliance, and the moral right to a sovereign state in the ancestral homeland. Herut North America carries this torch, advocating for Zionist education, supporting aliyah, and fostering unity among Jewish communities. Their work—evident in initiatives like aiding new immigrants and organizing campus events—embodies the conviction that Jerusalem’s reunification is not just a historical event but a living mandate to strengthen Jewish identity and defend Israel’s place in the world.
Yom Yerushalayim is a day of paradoxes, much like Jerusalem itself. It is a city both ancient and modern, sacred yet contested, where stones bear the weight of history while high-tech innovation thrives. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks described Jerusalem as “the home of the Jewish heart,” a city that holds multitudes—Jews, Christians, and Muslims—within its walls. Yet, it is uniquely Jewish, the only city where Jews have prayed for two thousand years without ceasing, even in exile. This depth inspires Herut’s mission to educate Jewish youth, ensuring they embrace their heritage without apology. In a world where antisemitism and anti-Zionism often blur, Herut’s commitment to bold advocacy mirrors the courage of those who fought to liberate Jerusalem.
The holiday’s celebrations, from the flag-waving Dance of Flags to the recitation of Hallel with blessings, reflect a joyous defiance. Religious Zionists view Yom Yerushalayim as a greater miracle than even Yom Ha’atzmaut, for it restored Jewish access to the heart of their faith. Herut North America amplifies this spirit, encouraging Jews to stand tall as Zionists. Their 2024 kick-off event, success in engaging young Jews, and their planned campus programs for 2025 demonstrate a proactive response to Jewish students’ challenges. As Sarah Martynov, a new immigrant aided by Herut, shared, “Getting citizenship was the happiest day of my life.” Her story underscores Herut’s tangible impact, helping Jews realize their dreams in Israel, the ultimate expression of Zionist aspiration.
Unapologetic Zionism, as Herut embodies it, is not about arrogance but conviction. It is the belief that Jews, like any other people, have a right to self-determination in their homeland. This stance is rooted in history: the Zionist movement, sparked by Theodor Herzl and fueled by centuries of yearning, culminated in Israel’s rebirth. The 1967 victory, which Yom Yerushalayim celebrates, was a turning point, shifting Jewish identity from victimhood to agency. Herut’s work ensures this legacy endures, countering narratives that vilify Zionism by teaching the truth: Zionism is the Jewish people’s liberation movement, and Jerusalem is its beating heart.
Yet, Yom Yerushalayim also invites reflection on responsibility. Jerusalem’s reunification demands that Israel remain a beacon of democracy and coexistence, as Herut advocates through its support for inclusive Jewish values. The city’s holiness lies in its stones and ability to inspire justice and peace. Herut’s engagement with the World Zionist Congress, where delegates shape Israel’s future, reflects this commitment. As American Jews vote for delegates in 2025, Herut urges them to choose representatives who will uphold Jerusalem’s unity and Israel’s strength, ensuring the $1 billion allocated annually serves the Jewish people’s highest ideals.
In a time of rising global antisemitism, Yom Yerushalayim and Herut’s mission is more vital than ever. The holiday reminds us that Jerusalem’s liberation was not inevitable—it was won through sacrifice and faith. Herut’s unapologetic Zionism challenges Jews to reclaim their narrative and to stand firm against those who deny Israel’s legitimacy. As one Herut supporter noted, “At a time like this, unapologetically Zionist is exactly what we need.” This call to action resonates on Jerusalem Day, when Jews worldwide sing, pray, and march, proclaiming that Jerusalem is theirs, not by conquest but by covenant.
As we celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, let us draw inspiration from Jerusalem’s enduring light and Herut’s fearless advocacy. Let us walk the streets of the Old City in our hearts, touch the stones of the Kotel in our prayers, and commit to a Zionism that is proud, principled, and unwavering. Jerusalem Day is a reminder that the Jewish people’s story is one of return, resilience, and redemption. With Herut North America leading the way, we can ensure that this story continues unapologetically for generations to come.
Sources: Herut North America (herutna.org), Yom Yerushalayim (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, rabbisacks.org), Zionism (en.wikipedia.org)
