1967 Six-Day War Year 9

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Questions and Answers

What anniversary was Israel celebrating when four Arab states moved troops to its borders?

The nineteenth anniversary of Israel becoming a State

What was the grim resolution announced by Cairo Radio on May 25, 1967?

To wipe Israel off the world map

What was the significant advantage the Arab states had over Israel in terms of tanks?

The Arab states had 2,504 tanks compared to Israel's 800

What was the ratio of combat aircraft between Israel and the Arab states?

Israel had 300 combat aircraft while the Arabs had 680 bomber aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What was the motivation behind Israel's decision to strike first on June 6, 1967?

To avoid defeat and ensure survival Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Israeli air force's strike on June 6, 1967?

More than 400 warplanes were destroyed, and most runways were made unusable Signup and view all the answers

How long did the ground battle last during the Six-Day War?

Six days Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the end of the Six-Day War on June 10, 1967?

A United Nations-brokered ceasefire Signup and view all the answers

What territories did Israel capture from the neighboring countries during the war?

The Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria Signup and view all the answers

Why was Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) a divided city prior to the 1967 war?

Concrete barriers and barbed wire cut through the city, and the Old City, including the Jewish quarter, was under Jordanian rule. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Israeli forces' decision to enter the Old City and advance towards the Kotel?

It marked a reunification of Jerusalem under Israeli rule. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think the photo of the Israeli paratroopers at the Kotel suggests about their feelings?

A sense of emotions, tears, and redemption Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolism of the shofar being blown in the context of Jerusalem's reunification?

It represents redemption and freedom Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Jerusalem is called 'The city of Gold'?

Due to its historical and spiritual significance, as well as its association with wealth and beauty Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Rabbi Shlomo Goren leading the Mincha services at the Western Wall?

It marked the return of the Jewish people to their holiest site after 2,000 years Signup and view all the answers

Why did Siggy Fried, a student from Brooklyn, travel to Israel in June 1967?

To be part of the historic moment of Jerusalem's reunification under Israeli rule Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the rabbi make to the traditional Jewish prayer during the liberation of Jerusalem?

He changed the word to 'Leshana hazot b'Yerushalayim', meaning 'This year in Jerusalem'. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Israel returning the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in 1982?

It was part of a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

What is Yom Yerushalayim, and how is it celebrated?

Yom Yerushalayim is a holiday that celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem; it is celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and prayers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Six-Day War

The Six-Day War began on June 6, 1967, when four Arab states – Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia – moved troops to Israel's borders, threatening the existence of the Jewish nation.
Egyptian President Nasser had announced: "The Arab people firmly resolve to wipe Israel off the world map" and "We aim at the destruction of the State of Israel."
Israel was outnumbered and outgunned, with 800 tanks compared to 2,504 Arab tanks, and 300 combat aircraft compared to 680 Arab bomber aircraft.
The Israeli Minister of Defence, Moshe Dayan, warned the Israeli Government that only chance of avoiding defeat was to strike first.
At 7:45 am on June 6, the Israeli air force struck air bases in Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, destroying over 400 warplanes and breaking Arab air power.

The War and Its Aftermath

The war raged on the ground for six days, with the Israeli Chief of Staff, General Rabin, coordinating a 3-front war against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
On June 10, 1967, a United Nations-brokered ceasefire took effect, and the Six-Day War came to an end.
The war resulted in an estimated 20,000 Arab deaths and 800 Israeli deaths in just 132 hours of fighting.
The leaders of the Arab states were left shocked by the severity of their defeat, and Egyptian President Nasser even resigned in disgrace.
In Israel, the mood was jubilant, with the country capturing the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria.

The Battle for Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)

For 91 years after independence, Israel's capital, Yerushalayim, had been a divided city, with concrete barriers and barbed wire cutting through it.
The Old City, including the Jewish quarter, with its old Shuls and Kotel, was under Jordanian rule, and Israelis were denied access to the Kotel.
When war came in June 1967, the young Jordanian King Hussein was persuaded by President Nasser to join the attack against Israel.
The Israeli army encircled East Jerusalem from the north, and the battle took place on Ammunition Hill, with the decision to enter the Old City and advance towards the Kotel being made on the morning of June 7.
Within an hour, the Israeli forces had reached the Kotel, and General Rabin flew up to Yerushalayim from Tel Aviv, describing the moment as "breathless."
Jerusalem was reunited under Israeli rule, with Rabbi Shlomo Goren blowing the trumpet of redemption (Shofar) and the Israelis feeling that their state was, at last, complete.

The Legacy of the Six-Day War

Victory in the war led to a surge of national pride in Israel, which had tripled in size, but it also fanned the flames of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The Arab leaders met in August 1967 and signed a resolution that promised "no peace, no recognition and no negotiation" with Israel.
By claiming the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the state of Israel also absorbed over one million Palestinian Arabs, worsenning the refugee crisis that had begun during the First Arab-Israeli War in 1948.
The status of these territories continues to be a stumbling block in Arab-Israeli peace negotiations.
Israel returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in 1982 as part of a peace treaty and then withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, but it has continued to occupy and settle other territory claimed in the Six-Day War, most notably the Golan Heights and the West Bank.

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Quiz about the events leading up to the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and Arab states. Learn about the role of Egypt's President Nasser and the threats to Israel's existence.