“From June 5 to June 10, 1967, the eyes of the world were on the Middle East, as Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, which had been massing its army on the border for several weeks. Responding to what was largely perceived as an existential threat-Egypt’s president Gamel Abdel Nasser stated “the destruction of the State of Israel” was the war’s aim-Israel destroyed the Egyptian air force and pushed into the Gaza strip and the Sinai with ground forces. When Jordan and Syria joined in the attack on Israel, the country improbably defeated its much larger neighbors. In only six days it took control of territory in the Sinai, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank, reuniting Jerusalem under Israeli rule. The war and the quick victory brought American Jewish passion for Israel to new heights. Like their coreligionists around the world, American Jews experienced an intense wave of pride and relief, as Israel again emerged as a powerful symbol of Jewish rebirth and survival.” - Ellen Eisenberg