Jerusalem Day’s violence should not erase the memory of a divided city - opinion

Jerusalem Day, which celebrates the city's unification, is frequently accompanied by media narratives focusing on past and anticipated violence, often overshadowing the celebratory aspect. Despite this, this year's events saw a noticeable decrease in violence compared to previous years, with peace and human rights activists present to provide a protective presence for Arab residents.

“

Now that Jerusalem Day has passed, once again, we have been made aware that there is a significant media theme surrounding the day, celebrating its unification, and it is mostly negative.

The day holds deep significance as it recalls the years between 1948 and 1967, when Jerusalem was divided for the first time in millennia. The celebration serves as a powerful reminder and a commitment to prevent such division from ever happening again, rejecting any notion of separate East, North, or South Jerusalem. During those 19 years, Jews endured incessant Arab violence.

“

this year’s contretemps were noticeably less violent than previously.

Historical accounts illustrate the dangers faced by Jews during the divided period. Incidents included shootings near railway lines and sporadic gunfire from the Jordanian side of the border affecting Jerusalem neighborhoods. Agreements made with Jordan, the entity that illegally occupied a section of the pre-1948 city, were frequently ignored and violated.

“

there is no need to be violent when marching through Jerusalem’s Old City. It is criminal and immoral.

Living in Jerusalem during 1966-67, the writer recalls a visible dividing wall on Jaffa Road, erected to protect traffic from sniper fire originating from the Old City walls. Even civilian apartment blocks suffered damage from explosions, resulting in injuries. While acknowledging that violence during marches in the Old City is criminal and immoral, the article emphasizes the historical context of division and the suffering endured by Jews, arguing that this context is crucial for understanding the significance of Jerusalem's unification.

“

The day recalls the years between 1948 and 1967, when Jerusalem, for the first time in some 3,000 years, was very briefly divided.