Martin H. van den Bergh

This coming Monday we will be celebrating Yom Yerushalayim, the reunification of the capital of Israel and the site of its spiritual heart where the Temple stood. In the 58 years since we recaptured the Old City and East Jerusalem, Jerusalem has been transformed into a bustling city while preserving holy sites for all faiths. This is in stark contrast to the desecration that was especially wrought on the ancient Jewish sites.

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At the heart of Jerusalem is the site where the Temple stood, which today is located in the Old City. According to Rabbi Elazar (Shevuot 16b) this site still retains its holiness and therefore many Rabbinic Authorities do not allow us to ascend the Temple Mount because without the red heifer we do not have the means to purify ourselves, which is prerequisite to ascend the Temple Mount. Nevertheless, the Temple site in Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Jerusalem, and when we pray anywhere in the world, we should face Jerusalem. And if this is not possible physically, we should face Jerusalem in our hearts and minds.

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The whole land of Israel has also always been at the heart of the Jewish people, and we have a sacred duty to protect it, cherish it and look after it.  This is at the centre of the Shemitah and Yovel laws. Since October 7th we have been reminded that our enemies are still determined to cut us from our land and destroy it.  We continue to show that we stand against them and protect the Jewish people in our land, and nurture it.

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Yuval Raphael our representative at the Eurovision Song Contest showed the tenacity of the Jewish People against our haters. She also showed her compassion by not forgetting our hostages in the moment that she came second in the contest and we are all proud of her.