This song, performed by Israeli singer and cultural icon, Yehoram Gaon, expresses the eternal Jewish longing to return to and rebuild Jerusalem and for the coming of the Messiah. From Mount Scopus, the eastern ridge of Jerusalem, there is a spectacular view of the city, including the Old City and the Temple Mount. Site of the original Hadassah Hospital and part of the Hebrew University campus, Mount Scopus saw intense fighting and sieges during the War of Independence, after which it became a UN protected Israeli enclave within Jordanian administered territory until it came under Israeli control during the Six Day War.
From the Summit of Mount Scopus
From the summit of Mount Scopus,
I will prostrate myself to you,
From the summit of Mount Scopus,
O Jerusalem, peace unto you.
For a hundred generations I have dreamt of you,
To merit/to cry
And behold the light of your countenance.
Chorus:
Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Light up your face to your son,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem
From your ruins will I build you.
From the summit of Mount Scopus,
O Jerusalem, peace unto you.
Thousands of exiles around the world,
Raise up their eyes to you.
In thousands of blessings may you
be blessed,
Kingly sanctuary, royal city.
Chorus:
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
I shall not move away,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
The Messiah will surely come, one day.