The Six Day War was a watershed moment in Jewish history. Only days before the great victory, Israelis were facing a national calamity, an existential threat, as five Arab armies were amassing to snuff out the 19-year-old state. Plans were drawn to convert parks to cemeteries - so palpable was the threat. Before the war, Israel's farmers in the Kinneret communities were being fired upon regularly from the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights, fresh water supplies were under constant threat of enemy diversion, and of course the holy places were inaccessible: the Western Wall and Temple Mount, Joseph's tomb, Hebron and more were all under Arab control. In the wake of the war, however, Israel had swelled to thrice its size. From the majestic Hermon to the blue beaches of Gaza, from Kfar Etzion to Kfar Darom, from Mount Sinai to the Temple Mount, Israel expanded west, east, north and south just as the Biblical prophecy foretold. In the same Biblical vein, the Arab armies not only lost, they seemed to flee in seven directions. The desert was strewn with boots which Egyptian troops took off to hasten their retreat. The Six Day War saw Israel's security established, as the buffer between Israel and her enemies grow significantly. No less important was the euphoria generated by the miraculous victory - now Israel saw itself as more than surviving, it was thriving! Worldwide Jewry received a boost of national pride. This pride brought about an unprecedented wave of North American Aliyah and eventually brought about Soviet Jewish aspirations to break out of the iron wall. The war also awakened a will to settle those lands liberated - to live in and around Hebron and Shechem, to climb the heights of the Golan, to farm the desolate sands of Gaza. The Six Day War also awakened a longing for a rebuilt and united Jerusalem. The Western Wall plaza was created, the Jewish Quarter was brought back to life, and the gleam of the Temple flickered in the eyes of the saints. The Six Day War is at once a modern victory fought with planes and artillery, and at the same time a triumphant return by an ancient people to their ancient homeland. It is a testament to the grit and valor of Israeli society and the Israeli soldier, yet it is also the revelation of G-d's Mighty Hand to save His nation which had been strewn amongst the nations for two thousand years. We at IsraelNationalNews hope you enjoy this section entitled "War of Miracles" which recounts and relives those special days. Please enjoy the following articles on the History of the Six Day War and its aftermath of the next 40 years: Timeline: Buildup to War and Outbreak of Fighting Forty Years in Review: Jewish Growth in the Liberated Lands Miracles in the Six-Day War: Eyewitness Accounts Questions Reasonable People Ask About Israel and Yesha Jewish Settlements are Legal According to International Law Israeli Settlements and International Law Remembering the Critical Ammunition Hill Battle
