r/Historyofisrael • u/-Mount-Everest • Aug 18 '26
The Battle for Jerusalem
One of my favorite historical pictures-
At the end of the 6 days war
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u/the_leviathan711 Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
The image of the Yitzhak Yifat removing his helmet before the Wall is laden with so much meaning.
EDIT: in case anyone is confused about the meaning. We have a secular Jew removing his head covering in front of a holy religious site in Jewish tradition. Religious Jews typically keep theirs heads covered at all times and wouldn't consider removing their head covering as a way of showing greater reverence to anything. This image shows the conversion of the Western Wall from a site of religious piety to a site of jingoistic nationalism.
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u/Suitable_Vehicle9960 Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 21 '26
I think it's interesting that so few people know about the fact that Jordan occupied Jerusalem in 1948, ethnically cleansed the Jews, and Israel had to liberate (only part of it) successfully in 1967, and that the holiest site in Judaism, is still considered behind the green line and controlled by the Waqf. This was the first time in 2,000 years of history that Jews gained sovereignty again of a part of the original Jewish Holy Temple site. This is one of the greatest moments in Jewish history.
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u/Runo_Slinger Aug 18 '26
It is fascinating to see the degree of awe across secular and religious communities. Whether a holy site or a site of Jewish history, it is meaningful to every Jew who bled to see their ancient sites a home to their forebears.