Archive for the ‘Special Events’ Category
In this combination of two photos, Israeli army paratroopers Zion Karasanti, left, Yitzhak Yifat, centre, and Haim Oshri, right, stand next to the Western Wall, Judaism holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City after it was captured during the Six Day War on June 7, 1967, left, and 40 years later, May 16, 2007. The image on the left is etched in history - an iconic photo that captured Israel in its most triumphant moment. Three young, battle-worn faces gazing up in wonder at the Western Wall, moments after capturing Judaism's holiest site in the Six-Day War.
Some of us are old enough to remember June, 1967, where we were, and how deeply affected we were over the incredible crisis of the war with its amazing, truly miraculous, results. For me it was one of the defining events of my life and of my generation. I was 21 years old, living in Texas, and like so many others was glued to the television 24/7 as the fate of Israel hung in the balance. None doubted that the shrill words over Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian radio about finishing the job that Hitler began would be carried out in full should it be militarily possible. The ancient words of Psalm 83 and Psalm 124 seemed uncannily relevant, as if history does indeed repeat itself in some strange cycle of protagonists.
Today on the Hebrew calendar is called Yom Yerushalayim, Iyyar 28th, which commemorates the liberation of the city of Jerusalem, putting it back in Jewish hands after 2300 years of what the prophet Daniel calls the trampling of the nations (Daniel 8:13-14). Despite all the directions things have gone since that fateful day in terms of Israeli and Arab conflicts over the city of Jerusalem and its holy places I am convinced that we will look back someday on this date in history and know it is one of the most important and significant in world history.
Here is a video that captures the moment:
Our upcoming United Israel meeting is this weekend (April 16-18) at the Mariott Hotel in South Park, Charlotte, North Carolina. See the tab above (April meeting) for details. The tentative program is:
“Our American Hebrew Heritage”
Friday, April 16th Rexford Room
3:00pm-5:00pm Registration and informal greetings
Dinner Open
7:00pm-9:00pm Welcoming Shabbat & Opening our Annual Meeting
“United Israel: A 1944 Vision Revisited
–Dr. James D. Tabor
Saturday, April 17th Rexford Room
9:00am-10:15am
“So Strange our Paths”
–Dr. James D. Tabor
10:45am-12:00pm
“Our Hebrew American Heritage”
–Ralph Buntyn
2:00pm-3:15pm
“The Enduring Judaic Legacy of Jesus”
–Jeffrey Bütz
3:45pm-5:00pm
“A Great Nation: Moses and the American Spirit
–Ross Nichols
Dinner and Evening Open
Sunday, April 18th Terrace Ballroom
8:30am-9:30am Annual UIWU Business Meeting
9:30-10:45
“Ancient Israelite Emblems and National Symbols:
Is There A Connection?
–David Tyler
11:00-12:15
“Goshen in American”
–Web Hulon
Lunch Open
2:00-3:00pm
Topical Round Table Discussions led by various facilitators
3:30pm-7pm
Informal Music and Hebrew Dancing