“In Our Hands: The Battle for Jerusalem” marks the 50th anniversary of Israel’s amazing victory in the Six-Day War. They liberated Jerusalem in June 1967 and gained a surprising victory which boosted morale. Has 50 years truly passed? It has, and the sons of soldiers, and the fabulous modern city of Jerusalem are brilliantly revealed in the film, which is a combination of history, archived footage, and reenactments. The key players in this replication of war are featured as well as a focus on scripture and how it foretold Israel’s future independence. There are a few moments of humor which strives to lighten the war mood, such as a comment that before Israel’s victory, so many people fled that it was said a sign should be posted saying, “Will the last person leaving the country please turn off the light.”
Since it is a movie about war, there are bloody depictions of stomach wounds, bullet wounds in heads and on faces, and bloody bandages, not to mention corpses. The political figures of the day and key turning points in the war are examined. Various survivors speak of the grief that, in some ways, they still carry today—having lost buddies and comrades. For those who see the Jewish nation as God’s chosen people, this film will illustrate the miraculous victory that was hard earned in 1967, a victory that defied all the odds. Gordon Robertson, the CEO of CBN, speaks at the end of the film, mentioning Israel’s place in the world today and in scripture. We are pleased to award the movie our Faith-Based Seal, meaning it has some strong content (the violence) but also contains a strong faith message. The Israel and Jerusalem we know today goes back to 1967, and this is that amazing story.
