The 1967 Six-Day War changed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and significantly impacted Jerusalem’s standing, making it regarded as a watershed moment in contemporary history. The authors of “Because It’s Just and Right,” Farley Weiss and Leonard Grunstein, provide a unique viewpoint on the origins of this conflict and shed light on the little-known facts surrounding the US’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.This blog aims to dissect the complex historical fabric of the Six-Day War and its long-lasting effects on Jerusalem’s position.
The Prelude to Conflict:
Understanding the significance of the Six-Day War requires an understanding of the rising tensions that preceded it. The book carefully examines the geopolitical environment while highlighting the existential dangers that Israel faces from its neighbors. The area teetered on the verge of political unrest and military buildup, creating the conditions for the impending battle.
The Defensive Nature of Israel’s Response:
Leonard Grunstein’s narrative presents the reality of the situation which shows how Israel had to take a defensive position in order to survive. They were not the aggravators and had to take the necessary steps in order to self-preserve and move forward in ways that would ensure their survival. “Because It’s Just and Right” emphasizes the truth and shows what Israel’s intentions were in the war and their defensive nature in the conflict.
The Reclamation of East Jerusalem:
During the 1967 War, while Israel initiated a preemptive strike against Egypt and Syria, it made a request to Jordan to abstain from joining the conflict. Despite Israel’s appeal, Jordan opted to attack West Jerusalem from the East. In response to this aggression, Israel, acting in self-defense, took control of East Jerusalem, which encompassed the revered Temple Mount and Western Wall. Additionally, Israel captured Judea, Samaria, and Hebron, housing the esteemed Cave of Machpela, the resting place of key figures in Jewish history such as Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah. The biblical accounts of Abraham’s acquisition of the Cave of Machpela and King David’s ownership of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem underscore the profound historical and cultural significance of these locations to the Jewish people.
International Implications and Legal Standing:
The aftermath of the Six-Day War carried profound international implications, with “Because It’s Just and Right” providing insights into the legal standing of Jerusalem post-war. The book highlights the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, a legislative acknowledgment by the United States that further solidified Israel’s claim to Jerusalem. The international reverberations of the war continue to shape the discourse on Jerusalem’s status.
The Unveiling of Historical Truths:
The story by Weiss and Grunstein is a potent illustration of the significance of revealing historical facts. The book dispels myths and offers a more complex picture of Israel’s actions and the subsequent recognition of Jerusalem as its capital by painstakingly analyzing the events preceding and following the Six-Day War.
In “Because It’s Just and Right,” the historical context of the 1967 Six-Day War is explored beyond popular narratives. It reveals a complex web of past injustices, defensive necessity, and geopolitical tensions. A careful analysis of this historical period becomes crucial as the globe struggles to understand the complexities surrounding Jerusalem’s position. By doing this, we transcend oversimplifications and promote a more thoughtful and compassionate conversation about one of the most important periods in Middle Eastern history.Top of Form