Memorial for the Defenders of the Old City of Jerusalem facts for kids
The Memorial for the Defenders of the Old City of Jerusalem is a special monument. It honors the brave Israeli soldiers who protected the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem. This happened during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The memorial is found at the entrance to the Garden of the Missing Soldiers. This garden is part of the National Military and Police Cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
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Remembering the Soldiers
This memorial remembers soldiers who fought for the Jewish Quarter. During the 1948 war, these soldiers were first buried temporarily in the Jewish Quarter. After the war ended, their bodies were moved and reburied in other places. Today, the spot where they were first buried in the Jewish Quarter has its own monument.
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War was a major conflict. It happened when Israel declared its independence. Many countries in the region fought against Israel. The war shaped the borders of Israel and the surrounding areas. Soldiers fought bravely to protect different parts of the new country.
The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is one of the four traditional quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. It has been a home for Jewish people for centuries. During the 1948 war, it became a key battleground. The soldiers honored by this memorial defended this important historical area.
Design of the Memorial
The memorial was designed by an architect named Dr. Asher Hirem. He created it in the shape of an alley. This design helps visitors feel like they are walking through a path of remembrance.
Inscriptions and Meaning
An arch is part of the memorial's design. On this arch, two special verses from the Bible are written.
- One verse is from Jeremiah 31:8. It says: "I shall gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth." This means God will bring the people of Israel home from all over the world.
- The second verse is from Isaiah 66:14. It says: "Your bones shall flourish like the grass." This verse speaks of hope and new life, even after difficult times.
These verses add deep meaning to the memorial. They connect the soldiers' sacrifice to ancient promises and hopes for the future. The memorial stands as a reminder of their courage and the history of Jerusalem.
