IDF Paratroopers Sing "Hatikva" in Jerusalem's Old City

Viewing the City from Har HaZeitim

Here is a beautiful story. On Thursday night ninety IDF paratroopers were led on a march~through the Old City of Jerusalem. 

The young troops stood on Har HaZeitem (Mount of Olives), where prophets, countless Rabbis, Hasidic Rebbes, cultural figures and politicians are interred. The view overlooking Jerusalem's historic "Old City" is truly breathtaking. They marched through Ir David (City of David), and the ancient streets before finally arriving at the Kotel (Western Wall) where their swearing in ceremony took place.

Carrying their colours and Israeli flags, they smiled and sang as they viewed their ancient capital which has been the focus of wars for thousands of years. This is the city they are called upon to defend. It was a joyful, yet solemn occasion, because like those that came before them, these young people know that they may have to lay down their lives for these ancient stones.

Rabbi Matti Dan, head of the Ateret Cohanim, led the troops as they waved banners and sang on a rooftop. Many of the students from the yeshiva enter into the military.

In the Old City with Ateret Cohanim

It looks like the same spot I visited with a friend when we took the tour through the old city (with Aterit Cohanim) during the high holidays. We like to go each year as they usually have different routes and new buildings to show. If you have not taken their tours (which are free during the holidays), I urge you to do so!

The tours usually start from the arch leading from the mens' section of the Kotel Plaza. To hear of the history and see the Jewish homes and yeshivas that existed before the ethnic cleansing of Jews during the wars is indescribable. Slowly, these homes are being purchased back (at unbelievably high prices), then renovated and inhabited once again by their rightful owners~the Jewish people of Israel. For the record, the Arabs willingly sell these places, which are in terrible (*read not livable) condition. Apart from that, should Jews not be allowed the same freedom as the Arabs to make an honest purchase in our own country?

For all the lefty haters and nay-sayers, I have only two words (and its not let's dance). Their whiny, politically correct mentality has cost lives, land and risks the destruction of this country. You don't have to come here to live, and you don't even have to like us, just butt out...And before you start the mantra of "we give financial support", I must ask...do you support disasters like the one in Haiti? Do you donate to other organizations around the world? Do you tell them they can't walk around their own capital cities because you give money? I thought not...

What a blessing it is to see our young IDF troops singing our National Anthem and dancing in our capital City just before Shabbos! Hashem should bless and keep them safe always!
 

Ah yes, and the sound of Barak and company plotzing in the background...