In the Western Wall plaza, a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Six-Day War and the unification of the city of Jerusalem took place today (Tuesday), with the representatives of the three brigades that united the city: The 55th Brigade - the "Spearhead"; the 10th Brigade - "Harel"; and the 16th brigade - the "Jerusalem Brigade".
In the ceremony, an honor parade was held to honor the fighters, and documentary footage about the battles for the unification of the city was screened.
President of the State of Israel Reuven Rivlin said at the ceremony: "Today we stand here, soldiers of the combat brigades past and present, veterans of the paratroopers, veterans of the Jerusalem Brigade, veterans of the Harel Brigade, and officers and fighters of the IDF today, while remembering the moments of heroism and adherence to the mission, victory, and sacrifice."
The president spoke of the soldier's fierce fighting in all parts of the city and the fact that the news of the Old City's liberation was heard on the armored vehicle's radio on his way from Bethlehem to Hevron: "These were words that I will never forget, moments that I will never forget. 'The Temple Mount. Is in. Our hands. We are in Hevron and our hearts - in the beloved Jerusalem. Nothing will compare to the feeling of the Jerusalemites who were united."
Rivlin continued: "For us, the people of Jerusalem, the fighters of the Six-Day War, in all brigades, in all sectors and on all fronts - these were tremendous moments that will never be wiped out. Jerusalem - has returned to its sons! All of us - and also the older and more experienced than me here can attest - felt that Jewish and Israeli history were carrying us in their hands.
"We have given our lives for Jerusalem because we knew that for Jerusalem one must stand firm," he said, adding: "We will always stand firm on Jerusalem, there will be no other reality. Here in these stones pulsate the heartbeat of the Jewish nation. Jerusalem is the heart of the state of Israel and the Kotel is the heart of Jerusalem."
The President closed his words with: "On the day of the liberation of the Western Wall, the Minister of Defense, Moshe Dayan, wrote a note and buried it in the stones of the Western Wall: 'May peace be upon Israel.' Today we continue with the same prayer. Would that peace would come to all Israel. 'Rejoice in Jerusalem and revel in it - all its lovers revel in it. Happy Jerusalem Day."
IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot said at the ceremony: "Today, in this exciting and historic position on the Western Wall plaza, I stand before you - the brigade fighters who gave the Jewish people their eternal capital five decades ago. We are here in the heart of Jerusalem, and the sights and feelings are well remembered. You remember the great joy and the sense of pride in victory, and the painful price you paid for the difficult battles.
"The spirit that led you to storm in battle - a spirit of patriotism, of comradeship, and of courage - laid the foundations for the image of the Israeli warrior.
"Today we will mention and remember those who fought alongside you, but unfortunately they did not return from the battlefield," added Eizenkot. "The great privilege they gave us involves no less a duty: To defend the state, to ensure its existence, and to allow for development, growth, and prosperity. Five decades have passed since the Six-Day War - the Middle East is changing its face and the threats are continuously changing, and the IDF has grown stronger and adapted to the challenges of the future - but one thing has not changed: the commitment, dedication, and responsibility of the Israeli warrior.
"Here, in the heart of our eternal capital and at the foot of the stones of the Western Wall, IDF fighters stand up throughout the year and swear allegiance to the State of Israel, and from generation to generation continue your legacy, courage, and spirit of war: You, the fighters of the Six-Day War," said the Chief of the General Staff.