Yesterday we celebrated Yom Yerushalayim – Jerusalem Day, the anniversary of the liberation of the holiest city in the world, Jerusalem. Foreign occupation, beginning some 2,000 years ago finally ended. True, this sacred city was not (and still is not) ‘complete’ – but, Jews, as those who for hundreds of year gave their lives reciting the words “Next year in Jerusalem” could finally actualize this dream.

Today we celebrate Yom Hebron, Hebron Liberation Day. The following day, after liberation of Jerusalem, the Jewish people came home to Hebron.

…..Lately I’ve found some words, which perhaps, express in the most lucid way possible, our connection to Hebron. The Jews are the most tenacious people in history. Hebron is there to prove it.

It lies 20 miles south of Jerusalem, 3,000 feet up in the Judaean hills. There, in the Cave of Machpelah, are the Tombs of the Patriarchs. According to ancient tradition, one sepulchre, itself of great antiquity, contains the mortal remains of Abraham, founder of the Jewish religion and ancestor of the Jewish race. Paired with his tomb is that of his wife Sarah. Within the building are the twin tombs of his son Isaac and his wife Rebecca. Across the inner courtyard is another pair of tombs, of Abraham’s grandson Jacob and his wife Leah…This is where the 4,000-year history of the Jews, in so far as it can be anchored in time and place, began.