Israel's capital saw throngs of revelers descend on its historic center on Thursday, singing celebratory songs of unity and holding blue-and-white Israeli flags to mark the anniversary of its reunification during the 1967 Six-Day War.
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Angi Walch, a staunch supporter of Israel who is a leading advocate for the Jewish state in Germany, arrived in Israel just so she could take part in the annual flag march for the first time. She brought a flag in her backpack.
Walch, who has participated in many pro-Israel events in her home country, could not stop smiling. With clear joy, she told Israel Hayom, "The most moving thing for me is just seeing that the Jewish people have returned to their homeland and that Jerusalem is in the State of Israel. This is one of the happiest and most special moments I have ever witnessed."
Eyal Shapira came from the community of Efrat in Gush Etzion, together with his wife Edith and their three children. "It was important for me to have the kids see the city and its history; so that they see the entire nation celebrate." Edith added, "Jerusalem is ours. It's amazing to think how far we have come. This should not be taken for granted."
Yotam, 16, lives in Eilat. He came with his friends who study with him at a yeshiva in Dimona. "We come here every year. This flag march has a special vibe to it," he said. Yehonatan Libar from Talmon said," We are here to show our presence in Jerusalem – our capital. We want to unite the people to celebrate in Jerusalem.'.
Uri, 16, said: "I am excited to be here at this event. There is a special atmosphere. It is really uplifting to be here." David arrived from Carmiel in northern Israel, wrapped in the Israeli flag and hoisting the Jerusalem flag. "I am extremely excited by this; it is just such a great feeling. The people of Israel are here on this day, feeling the unity and history of Jerusalem. It feels as though I am born again."
The annual event took place amid heightened tensions with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, just days after the recent flare-up in Gaza. The flag march kicked off from the city center and then continued into the Old City through the Nablus Gate and onto the Western Wall. Several skirmishes between Arabs and Jews were noted during the events.
Earlier in the day, several Jewish groups ascended Temple Mount, including a cabinet minister and several lawmakers from the Coalition. This prompted condemnation from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Jerusalem Day ended with a state ceremony at Ammunition Hill, a site that saw some of the fiercest fighting during the Six-Day War. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog delivered speeches at the event.
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