Yom Yerushalayim is an Israeli national holiday honoring the day in 1967 (Iyar 28, 5727) when Israeli troops recaptured the parts of the holy city that were under Arab possession.

When I landed in Israel for the first (and only) time, I expected dirt roads and roadside markets – not because I anticipated a primitive land but because I presumed G-d’s country would not be overtaken by asphalt, tall buildings and commercialized living.

Jerusalem, the heart of Israel, turned out to be a wonderful combination and reflection of how G-d dictated life ought to be and mankind’s yearnings to be a part of the evolving modern civilization. Located in the Judean Mountains between the northernmost part of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and one of the holiest places for the Jewish people.

One can walk down the city streets visiting shops, markets and restaurants – many of which are familiar to us here in the United States. There are also open-air markets, corner falafel stands, and a variety of neighborhoods – just like any other city.

Then, as you are walking down city streets, you come upon the ancient walls of the Old City. Rocks form the walls, the buildings, the streets and the walkways. It has been a site of archaic paradise and constant turmoil throughout the ages. The area of the Old City has undergone occupations by various peoples, as well as destruction and rebuilding time and time again. The walls which stand today were built in 1538.

The Kotel – or Western Wall – is a special and holy place for the Jewish people, and is the one remaining piece of the Second Temple. While there is much more to the Wall than that which is exposed, Jewish people gather at this “small” spot on a daily basis to pray, place notes in the wall, and celebrate simchas.

Jerusalem is certainly a city where any Jew can feel at home. It is not a difficult task to find your niche, the place where you belong there. From culture to religion and history to modern day, Jerusalem is the heart of Israel and the home of the Jewish people for good reason.

The name Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, comes from two words. The first part, yira, means “to see” and shalem means “peace”. Jerusalem is a place where the Jewish people can feel close to G-d, where the expression of our Judaism is clear and easy, and where we can return from exile – all of us – one day.

The celebration of Jerusalem Day, the liberation of Jerusalem, arrived after thousands of years of exile and demolition. In the world at large, conflict still remains regarding Jerusalem being the capital of the Jewish state of Israel. But, within Israel, the celebration is strong!

Travelers come to Jerusalem and parade in the streets. Crowds end up at the Kotel with ceremonies honoring our ancient city. Children in school spend time studying the history of Jerusalem and its importance to the Jewish people.

Each year, our Passover Seders end with L’shanah Haba’ah b’Yerushalayim, next year in Jerusalem. If you’ve been to Israel, you understand why. If you haven’t, I invite you to visit and discover for yourself why Jerusalem is so important to the Jewish people.