U.S. reggae singer and rapper Matisyahu released a video Thursday in honor of Jerusalem Day, the national Israeli holiday commemorating the reunification of the country’s capital after the 1967 Six-Day War.
The video opens with Matisyahu addressing the camera, saying, “This is Jerusalem Day and we are going to play ‘Jerusalem,’ because Jerusalem is the heart and soul of the Jewish people.”
Jerusalem if I forget you… we will not stop until our hostages are free! @bringhomenow pic.twitter.com/FP2jCuVJOm
— Matisyahu (@matisyahu) June 5, 2024
“Jerusalem,” one of Matisyahu’s most famous songs, is based on the well-known line from Psalm 137, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget [its skill].” The psalm, among the most renowned, expresses the Jewish people’s longing over 2,000 years of exile to return to their homeland.
Addressing the war in Gaza against the Hamas terror organization, Matisyahu said, “After this war that was started by Hamas on Oct. 7, we will not stop fighting and we will not give up until our hostages are free...Hamas started this war and Israel will not stop until Hamas has been completely destroyed. They’re still holding 120 of our hostages, civilians, men, women, children, elderly, and we won’t forget you and we won’t stop.”
Hamas is holding 124 hostages in Gaza, some of whom were taken captive prior to the group’s Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel. Forty-three of those abducted on Oct. 7 are believed to have since been murdered by the terrorist group.
Jerusalem Day is marked annually on the 28th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. Its central event is the Flag March, which this year included thousands of police officers to secured the parade.
Originally published by Israel Hayom.
