OPINION:
Israelis, not “ultranationalists,” hold parades every year to celebrate the 1967 reunification of Jerusalem after 16 years of illegal Jordanian occupation (“Palestinian balloons, Israeli strikes test peace,” World, A9, June 17).
In 1948, after Britain ended its Mandate for Palestine, the United Nations suggested dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, although under international law all of Palestine is the reconstituted Jewish homeland. Israel agreed to split its country into two states. Regional and local Arab armies rejected the peace plan and launched a war of genocide against Israel.
When the fighting ended in 1949, the areas under Egyptian and Transjordanian control were ethnically cleansed of all Jews. The Arabs in Israeli areas became citizens of Israel.
During the Jordanian occupation, recognized only by Britain and Pakistan, no Jews were allowed access to their homes, businesses and holy sites on the wrong side of the armistice line. The U.N. was shamefully silent.
Today, all ethnicities control their special and holy places and Jerusalem is open to visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.
Is it any wonder Israelis celebrate Jerusalem Day?
LEN BENNETT
Deerfield Beach, Fla.
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