MembersExclusive Interview With a Temple Mount Liberator

It’s one of Israel’s more iconic photos: three wide-eyed paratroopers stand before the Wailing Wall shortly after its liberation in 1967.

By Aviel Schneider |
Photo: David Rubinger /

The young soldier in the center, who at that time was only 23-years-old, visited the Israel Today offices to reminisce about that incredible moment in history.

 

Dr. Itzhak Ifat recalled in his conversation with Editor-in-Chief Aviel Schneider that as he stood before the wall, “The history of the Jewish nation flashed before my mind’s eye. The great sacred stones, the remains of the Jewish Temple – it moved me to the very core. We all sensed that it was an historical moment. After 2,000 years of Diaspora we were standing in front of the Temple Wall once more.”

 

Ifat remembered how photographer David Rubinger rushed to overtake him and his companions so as not to miss such a stunning shot. As he quickly lie down on the ground, Rubinger shouted: “Just keep still for a moment!”

 

According to Ifat, he and fellow paratroopers were surprised to discover...

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