Jerusalem was united on June 7, 1967 during the Six Day War. From 1948 until that day, Jerusalem was a divided city with the Old City and other eastern portions under Jordanian control. During this time, half of the Old City’s 58 synagogues were destroyed and Jews were prohibited from visiting the holy sites including the Western Wall.

In 1968, Israel’s government proclaimed a new holiday, Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), to be celebrated on the 28th of Iyar, the date in the Jewish Calendar when the city became one. This year that day is Monday May 26.

The pennant above celebrates Israel’s 22nd Independence Day in 1970 and on the reverse pays tribute to the Israel Defense Forces for liberating the Old City. Israel’s military leadership during the Six Day War is pictured.

Haim Bar-Lev became the IDF Deputy........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)