Yom Yerushalayim

Last week we celebrated Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Reunification Day), a commemoration of the unification of the capital city by the government of Israel in 1963. There were huge concerts in the city and fireworks displays, Wednesday night at Gan Sacher (Sacher Gardens, Jerusalem's "Central Park") and Thursday at the Kotel Plaza. A lot of Israeli music talent was represented. Tens of thousands participated in the free, open-air events in the balmy and beautiful early-summer weather. It is interesting to note the mixed views of the holiday amongst various segments of the Israeli population. While some are proud and happy, others are ambivalent or disapproving. Still others are resentful; yet other groups are thankful. Such is politics in Israel, even when discussing national holidays. As they say, "Ein K'mo Yisrael" (There is no place like Israel).