Israeli paratroopers (l-r) Tzion Karasenti, Yitzhak Yifat and Chaim Oshri stand in awe at the Western Wall after capturing the Temple Mount, June 7, 1967. (David Rubinger)

There is no rational way to explain the remarkable circumstances that led to the liberation of the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967.

This short video, produced by World Mizrachi especially for Yom Yerushalayim, the anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem during the Six Day War, highlights the totally unexpected political and military twists and turns guiding the epic and historic return to the Holy City for the first time in almost two millennia.

Once all diplomatic attempts failed, Israel had no choice but to defend herself, as the tiny country was surrounded by enemies intent on her destruction.

It was one of the most unexpected and inexplicable phenomena in the history of human warfare. As the late Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, one of the greatest spiritual leaders of the 20th century, explained at the time, “Divine destiny was knocking at the door.”