Jerusalem Day Explained

Jerusalem Day/Yom Yerushalayim is a controversial Jewish holiday that celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, drawing criticism and celebration in equal measure. In 1947, Jews reluctantly accepted a partition plan but soon after faced Arab attacks, turning the battle for Jerusalem into a fight for Israel's existence. East Jerusalem fell to the Jordanians, who restricted access and desecrated Jewish holy sites. 

In 1967, Israel faced an existential threat from Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, in which many Israelis felt that destruction was imminent. Israel emerged victorious, and 28 Iyar was declared Jerusalem Day by the government and a minor religious holiday by the Chief Rabbinate. Jerusalem Day is celebrated with parades, celebrations, and prayers, but the Flag March through Arab areas has sparked tension, highlighting ongoing challenges and the fragility of Jewish freedom in this significant city.

Big Ideas

1. Jerusalem Day marks the reunification of Jerusalem and holds religious and historical significance for the Jewish people.
2. The celebration of Jerusalem Day is accompanied by controversy, particularly concerning the Flag March and tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
3. The complexity of Jerusalem's status as a contested city reflects the ongoing challenges of sharing a sacred space and the importance of empathy in understanding different perspectives.
   

Essential Questions

1. Why is the Temple Mount such a significant place historically and religiously for both Jews and Palestinians? 
2. How did the unification of Jerusalem impact the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians?
3. What are the underlying causes of tension and controversy surrounding the Flag March, and how do they reflect the challenges of sharing a sacred space?