Jerusalem Was Promised to Us, but It Was Not Easy to Achieve

The Significance of Hope

The hope represented by Jerusalem is described as something that must be carefully preserved, accompanying the long and winding journey to the city. The national anthem begins with the phrase “As long as,” implying that without hope, the essence of the Jewish spirit, there is no eye that watches over Zion, no free people in our land, and no Jerusalem itself. The anthem echoes the age-old sentiment of the Jewish people: “Our hope has not yet been lost, this hope, two thousand years old, to be a free people in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem.”

Since the dark day when Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jewish people began their exile, hope has served as a lifeline. It embodies the dream and vision that has accompanied the Jewish nation through its trials and tribulations, fostering the belief that there will come a day when they will return home to Zion and Jerusalem.

The Ongoing Struggle for Jerusalem

While Jerusalem has been promised to the Jewish people, attaining it has required relentless struggle. Ancient coins found throughout the country reveal that warriors of the past understood that regardless of where they fought-be it the Galilee, Golan, or the Judean Desert-these battles were always about Jerusalem. The city is not merely a capital; it is the beating heart of the Jewish nation. Thus, throughout history, even while scattered across the globe and distant from Jerusalem, dreaming of the city has remained a constant.

Images of Jerusalem adorn homes in Gaza and Lebanon, serving as a reminder of the ongoing conflict over the city. The adversaries remind us that the struggle for Jerusalem is far from over. Many generations ago, heroic fighters breached the gates of the Old City on the 28th of Iyar, a moment that was not just about territory but about carrying with them centuries of prayers, longings, and dreams of those who had hoped for that moment to arrive.

The Fragility of Hope

Maintaining hope is a challenging endeavor, especially for those who live as free citizens of their land, as it may be difficult for them to grasp the nuances of enduring struggles. For those trapped in a dark tunnel, however, the need to cling to hope becomes paramount. The immense suffering, humiliation, and violence experienced throughout the exile can lead to despair. Yet, there lies a spirit within the Jewish people that refuses to yield, finding strength in the heart-wrenching stories of hostages who have returned, showcasing resilience amid overwhelming darkness.

Generation after generation, the Jewish people have held fast to the promise of Jerusalem, vowing never to forget the city. There is a longstanding commitment to believe that in the coming year, they will witness the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

A Continuation of Yearning

The yearning for Jerusalem is an enduring thread that connects eras, spanning from ancient times to the present. The dream continues to be represented in homes and hearts worldwide, and the ongoing conflict serves as a reminder of Jerusalem’s critical importance.

To emerge victorious in this long struggle for Jerusalem, hope is imperative. Like the city itself, hope is something that must be cherished and nurtured, guiding the people along the winding path to Jerusalem. The anthem reinforces that as long as hope resides within the Jewish heart, the spirit of the Jewish people remains unwavering, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to the land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem.

On this day, the observance of Jerusalem Day calls for a reinforcement of the connection to this cherished city. It is vital to understand that eternity is linked to taking care of Jerusalem, as the foundations of hope are entwined with the essence of the city itself