Reggae singer and Jewish rapper Matisyahu released a video Thursday in honor of Jerusalem Day, the national holiday commemorating the reunification of the capital after the 1967 Six-Day War.
The video opens with Matisyahu addressing the camera, saying, "This is Jerusalem Day and we are going to play 'Jerusalem,' because Jerusalem is the heart and soul of the Jewish people."
Jerusalem if I forget you… we will not stop until our hostages are free! @bringhomenow pic.twitter.com/FP2jCuVJOm
— Matisyahu (@matisyahu) June 5, 2024
"Jerusalem" is one of Matisyahu's most famous songs and is based on the well-known line from Psalm 137: "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget [its skill]." Psalm 137 is one of the most renowned psalms, symbolizing the Jewish people's longing over 2,000 years of exile to return to their homeland, Israel.
Addressing the current war against the Hamas terror organization, Matisyahu said, "After this war that was started by Hamas on Oct. 7, we will not stop fighting and we will not give up until our hostages are free ... Hamas started this war and Israel will not stop until Hamas has been completely destroyed. They're still holding 120 of our hostages – civilians, men, women, children, elderly – and we won't forget you and we won't stop.
Some 80 Israelis remain hostage in Gaza, with more bodies held captive by Hamas.
In the footage, Matisyahu plays his song on a record player while singing along. At one point he holds up a cup with the word "Jerusalem" printed on it.
Jerusalem Day is marked annually on the 28th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. Its central event is the Flag March that this year included thousands of police officers who secured the parade to prevent potential attacks by Palestinians.
