Never-Before-Seen Six-Day War Iconic Photography by Dan Porges

“The Temple Mount is in Our Hands”

Never-Before-Seen Photography from the Six-Day War and Jerusalem’s Reunification by Dan Porges

The Six-Day War, fought from June 5 to 10, 1967, was a defining moment for Israel and the Jewish people. In just six days of combat, Israel reshaped the political and strategic landscape of the Middle East, securing newfound stability. The war resulted in the erasure of the 1949 armistice lines, bringing territories such as the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and a unified Jerusalem under Israeli control—promising enhanced security and a renewed sense of national strength.

The Western Wall and Jerusalem’s Reunification
The war’s most iconic and emotional moment was the return to the Western Wall and the Reunification of Jerusalem. Before the war, Jerusalem’s Old City, including the Western Wall, was under Jordanian control, and Jews were barred from accessing their holiest site for nearly two decades. On June 7, 1967, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) captured East Jerusalem and the Old City, marking the first time in modern history that the Jewish people regained control over their spiritual and national heartland.

Leading to the historic declaration, “The Temple Mount is in our hands.” This powerful event symbolized the fulfillment of the Zionist dream—Jews returning to their ancestral homeland as an independent nation, capable of defending themselves. The moving images of soldiers standing with Rabbi Shlomo Goren in awe and shedding tears at the Western Wall captured the profound connection between modern Israel and Jewish historical continuity.

The reunification of Jerusalem not only restored Jewish access to their sacred sites but also solidified the city’s central role in Israeli national identity. It inspired a wave of unity and pride, reinforcing the belief that Jerusalem must remain the eternal and undivided capital of Israel.

Dan Porges: The Photographer Behind the Lens
These photos were captured by the Israeli-American photographer Dan Porges, renowned for his ability to capture raw human emotion and authenticity, Porges has chronicled some of the most pivotal figures and moments in Israel’s history. His career, which began under the mentorship of Alfred Bernheim, saw him transition from commercial photography in New York to an illustrious career in portraiture upon his return to Israel.

In 1967, Porges documented the Six-Day War with a sharp eye and a deep understanding of the historical moment unfolding before him. His images, both intimate and powerful, encapsulate the tension, relief, and triumph felt by the soldiers and the nation alike. Over the years, his lens has immortalized Nobel Prize winners, musicians, and cultural icons—reflecting his exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects and their stories.