Israel stakes its Claim to Jerusalem

July 20, 2005

Thousands of Israelis marched through the streets of Jerusalem, singing patriotic songs and waving the national flag. They were celebrating Jerusalem Day, marking the 38th anniversary of the capture of the eastern half of the city from Jordan during the Six Day War in 1967.

“For 2,000 years, the Jews have been saying, ‘Next year in Jerusalem;’ you know this is the heart and soul of the Jewish people,” Michael Sandberg, one of the celebrants, told Israel Today. But there was trouble when a group of Israelis paid a visit to the Temple Mount, the holiest place in Judaism where the two Biblical Temples once stood. Today, the site is home to the Mosque of Al Aksa, the third holiest place in Islam, and Palestinians were furious.

“With spirit and blood, we will defend Al Aksa!” they chanted. Then they threw stones at the Jewish visitors. That prompted Israeli police in riot gear to storm the compound and use stun grenades to disperse the demonstrators. There were no serious injuries, and police quickly withdrew.

Palestinian shopkeeper Naif Hamad said Jerusalem is Moslem, not Jewish. “This is our country,” he said. “You must know we are under occupation.” At the main Jerusalem Day ceremony, Israel staked its claim to all of the city.

“Jerusalem is the anchor and heart of hearts of the Jewish people, and we will never be separated from it again,” said Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. “Jerusalem will remain the united capital of the state of Israel forever.”

O Jerusalem! The eternal capital of the Jewish people, Jerusalem is also a magnet drawing VIPs and celebrities from around the world. In keeping with local tradition, most of them place a prayer in the ancient crevices of the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Biblical Temple.

French movie star Gerard Depardieu (Top Picture) took time out from an Israeli film festival to touch the sacred stones

SOURCE: Israel Today