It was 45 years ago, in June 1967, when IDF paratroopers liberated Yerushalayim from Jordanian occupation in the Six Day War. Among the fighters was IDF reservist Lulu Telmor, today 70-years-old. He was among the soldiers who liberated the Kosel. For the past 50 years, he has been a resident of Kibbutz Ramat Negev in southern Israel.

He told reporters this week that on their way to the Old City he told himself “If I get out of this alive, one day I will return to Jerusalem to close the circle on this chapter of my life”. It has taken a few years but Lulu, who has remained in good physical condition, an accomplished triathlon athlete, hopes to visit the capital on this coming erev Shabbos, 22 Adar 5772 to take part in the Second Jerusalem Marathon.

He explains that during the war, it was most difficult and he was required to evacuate many wounded on their way to the Kosel. For him, the physical race will not be a challenge but it will be an emotional event as he retraces many of his steps. He announced setting another personal goal, hoping to return in five years to run the race again marking 50 years from the liberation of the Kosel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)