Jerusalem Day opened the way for Jews to freely worship Hashem at the Kotel (Western Wall). The Jewish quarter, which had been destroyed by the Jordanians during their occupation, could now be rebuilt, and synagogues, some of them dating back many hundreds of years, could return to being houses of prayer. The pictures of soldiers weeping and praying at the Wall is one that will be etched in the memories of Jews the world over. Amazingly even the Ultra-Orthodox were able to appreciate the work of the young Jewish State. This same community does not recognize Independence Day, yet can find merit in the unification of Jerusalem, which has provided a way for Jews to worship the God of Israel in our city. To this day Jerusalem sits at the center of the attention of the nations, yet for Jews it is the umbilical cord to Hashem. While many nations see Jerusalem as the focal point of tension, Jews recognize that it is a sign of the vitality of the Jewish people, that again and again the people of Israel arise from the ashes of history and return to worship Hashem in the city he chose for them.

The centrality of Jerusalem to the Messiah Yeshua is very clear—while living most of his life on earth in other parts of the country, he was brought to Jerusalem for the key events in his life—circumcision, dedication of the first born, coming of age (Bar Mitzvah)—the festivals, and ultimately his death and resurrection. This city was central in ages past, where both Temples stood, and is the place where we will see Ezekiel’s Temple established. It is to this city and none other that our Messiah is to return, as a Jew. It is to this city that ten from the nations will grab on to the tzitzit (fringe of a prayer shawl) of a Jew and come to worship the God of Israel in this Jewish city.