REPLAY: Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva: Marking 59 Years since the Unification of Jerusalem

Description

With the start of Jerusalem Day, Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva is holding the central event marking 59 years since the liberation of the Old City and the holy sites. The traditional gathering opened with a festive evening prayer attended by large crowds, followed by dancing and singing with the participation of rabbis, yeshiva students, and many guests. This year’s event is being held during the first Jerusalem Day since Operations Rising Lion and Roaring Lion against Iran. The yeshiva stated that the damage inflicted on Iran’s capabilities and the strengthening of Israel’s strategic position are added reasons for giving thanks for Jerusalem’s freedom and strength in the Hebrew year 5786. The event is being attended by numerous public figures, including Moshe Lion and Israel’s chief rabbis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the event and commented on the fighting in the Gaza Strip and Israel's control over the territory. In his remarks, Netanyahu stated that Israel succeeded in bringing back the hostages without withdrawing from the areas it took over, emphasizing that the IDF currently controls approximately 60% of the Strip’s land. Netanyahu noted that there were elements calling for Israel to "get out," but stated that the government chose instead to remain on the ground and deepen its security hold. Regarding the 60% control figure, Netanyahu mentioned this is the current data as of today, adding the phrase "we shall see tomorrow" - in what was perceived as a hint at the possibility of further measures in the Gaza Strip. His remarks were met with applause from the attendees. Also attending the rally are rabbis, rabbinical judges, ministers, and members of Knesset. The connection between the Six-Day War and the renewed sense of national strength in 5786 is expected to be a central theme of the evening’s speeches. At Mercaz HaRav, organizers noted that the tradition began under Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Kook immediately after the Six-Day War. What began as an internal gathering of yeshiva students marking the liberation of the city has, over the years, become a major national event on the Jerusalem Day calendar. The event is being broadcast live to tens of thousands of viewers in Israel and around the world and is expected to continue late into the night. Celebrants are expected to continue dancing and singing for many hours in honor of the reunification of the city and the national victory. ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו הגיע הערב (חמישי) להשתתף באירוע המרכזי של יום ירושלים בישיבת "מרכז הרב" בבירה. בביקורו הצטרף נתניהו לרבנים, דיינים, שרים ואישי ציבור נוספים שהגיעו לחגוג את יום איחוד העיר בעצרת המסורתית. במהלך האירוע העניק ראש הישיבה, הרב יעקב שפירא, מזכרת מיוחדת לראש הממשלה לרגל ציון 50 שנים למבצע אנטבה. המזכרת הוענקה לציון גבורתו ונפילתו של אחיו, יוני נתניהו הי"ד, שהוביל את כוח הפריצה במבצע לשחרור החטופים. המחווה שקיבל נתניהו היא תמונה ממוסגרת של אחיו יוני, עליה נכתב הפסוק "הן עם כלביא יקום וכארי יתנשא". התמונה הוענקה בחתימתו של ראש הישיבה, הרב שפירא, כביטוי להוקרה על פועלו של יוני נתניהו למען ביטחון ישראל.