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Greetings from

Israel’s Leaders

Rabbi Aryeh Stern
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem

Speak to the Heart of
Jerusalem wonderful fusion occurs, Yerushalayim will in holiness and in seeking
social cohesion based on
shine upon all of the people throughout the
Land. From here, from Yerushalayim, one positive values. We cannot
erusalem was and always will be the can see how everything is exalted and sancti- rest on our laurels, enjoy the
capital of the Jewish State. This was fied, like someone standing atop a mountain Jerusalem we have and wait
J already understood by the State’s observing everything below. This is how we for everything to fall from
founders, even in those years when the find Isaiah the Prophet standing in the Beit Heaven. We are obligated
city was small and divided and all the more HaMikdash in Jerusalem saying, “The whole to instill sanctity into the
so now – after the Six-Day War – that it is world is filled with Your glory,” i.e. from the holi- content of life in Yerushalayim
adorned with beauty and glory as befitting a est place, from Jerusalem, we can see how the which will illuminate the entire
capital city. sanctity dissipates and illuminates the whole country.
world.
We are familiar with the expression “שׁ ָדּ ְ ק ִמ
ה ָכוּל ְ מ רי ִע ךְֶל ֶמ,” i.e. the city contains a combi- In its essence, Jerusalem can bring true unity, On Yom Yerushalayim we
nation of holiness and majesty. It is clear that which is why it was not divided between the joyfully note the great merit we
there is no place for sanctity in Israel without tribes. It belongs to us all and we are always have in witnessing our reunited
the foundations of kingship, and there is no looking towards it wherever we are in the Jerusalem, although we should
point in kingship without the seal of sanctity. world. not forget that the first stage, the
establishment of the State, was what
Indeed, the word “תוּמֵל ְ שׁ” – completion – is Therefore, when we speak about taking allowed us to reach the second stage
contained in the name of the city, and this action in Jerusalem, the intention is not just of the liberation of Jerusalem. Both
completion or perfection can only be achieved to build, although that is important too of events are so obviously a gift from God
through these two ideals. And when this course, but whatever we do must be rooted – “It is wondrous in our eyes.”

Nir Barkat
Mayor of Jerusalem
Unity and Openness

am honored to send you greetings on Jerusalem over 50 years ago, Israel has Jerusalem is continuously strengthened
the occasion of your celebration of maintained freedom of religion, move- by its friends around the world. As we
I 51 years of Jerusalem’s reunification. ment, and expression for all. In the past celebrate over 50 years since the reunifi-
few years, the city has undergone a cul- cation of the eternal capital of the Jewish
When Jerusalem was founded 3,000 years tural and economic renaissance and the people, I thank you for your continued
ago, it was established as a center of unity capital of the Jewish people is thriving. support of Jerusalem and wish all of
and openness for all people. Since reuniting Jerusalem has returned to the promise of you a meaningful and memorable Yom
its founding as a beacon of inclusiveness. Yerushalayim.

Photos – Rabbi Stern: A. Bejell, Nir Barkat: Yam Vignola