Jerusalem Reunited: 1967-1997

In the wake of the Six-Day War in June 1967, Jerusalem was reunited. Jews around the world were overwhelmed by the nature of Israel's victory against all odds. Many saw the return to the Old City and the Wailing Wall as an event of miraculous proportions.

Shortly after the war, all the barriers that had blocked off one part of the city from the other were removed. Jews and Christians alike were now free to visit their sacred sites in the Old City. Split neighborhoods were reunited, the old signs of division were obliterated, and the city's urban infrastructure was refurbished.

New Appearance

Jerusalem took on a new appearance as neighborhoods were established on the hills surrounding the city. Major roads were constructed, public buildings erected, and parks planted. Although Jerusalem largely maintained its character as a service city, the population expanded and the standard of living increased.

Over the years, Jerusalem's centrality has been stressed, with most of the State's national centers established within her boundaries. These include the Knesset, the President's residence, the Supreme Court, the Israel Museum, the Chief Rabbinate, and the Bank of Israel.

Special Relationship

Paradoxically, with the new lease of life offered to Jerusalem, came a restored interest in the past. This was largely due to the expanded vistas opened up by antiquities hitherto closed to Jewish archeologists. The discovery of ancient tunnels and waterways, Temple artifacts, houses of prayer and the like, have all served to underscore the quintessential relationship between Jerusalem and the Jewish people over the generations.

While the city maintains an interest to both Christian and Moslem residents and tourists, Jerusalem continues to be of prime significance in Jewish religious and national thought. Jews all over the world have never ceased to turn to Jerusalem as a source of spiritual strength.

City of Hope

And for all concerned with Jerusalem's future, the blessing of the psalmist continues to serve as a source of both hope and inspiration: