On the occasion of Jerusalem Day, "Israel Today" tells the stories of four policemen who are participating in the mission to protect the capital. Meet Mariana, Ala, Udi and Nathaniel:
Festive prayer in honor of Jerusalem Day at the Western Wall // Photo: Western Wall Heritage Foundation
Sergeant Mariana Matar (30), patrolwoman at Shalem station: "I was never afraid"
"I always wanted to enlist in the police. It was my dream since I was a little girl," says Mater, who comes from a family of police officers.
Even before she began serving permanently, she served as a Shaham policewoman. She is a resident of Eilabun, a Christian, and has served for about three years in the Jerusalem district at the Mount of Olives point.
She said, "I love helping citizens and giving of myself. My family stood by my side, supported me in my decision and helped me."
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"Loves to give of myself", Photo: Police spokeswoman
In about a month she will marry a Border Patrol fighter, and the two plan to live in Jerusalem. Until the wedding, she focuses on maintaining order. "The last period has been very difficult in Jerusalem, but we can handle anything," she added. "And I never felt fear, even when there was an increase in terrorist incidents. The day will not be easy, but I hope that this day will pass properly, that the situation will calm down. We do not want more than that, just quiet."
Corporal Ala Harb (36), commander of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher unit: "We will be in full deployment"
Sword has served as the unit's commander for four years, and in his role is also responsible for coordinating with the Christian community in the Old City.
He is a resident of Beit Jann, married and a father of two.
As someone who serves in one of the most sensitive positions in the Jerusalem district, he has hardly been coming home recently.
"We have recently had several tangent events within the Old City. There have been many challenges and complexities, but our job is to preserve the worship of religion, preserve the people and allow a fabric of life. "Training. There is no doubt that we are entering another challenging and interesting week, and we will be in full deployment to allow everyone to celebrate in a good way."
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"Tough period", Photo: Police spokeswoman
On the longing for family: "It's a very tough time and coping is not easy, but it's part of the characteristics of the job. I was blessed with a supportive woman who understands the constraints of the job. She knows how to contain it and explain to children why Dad is not home."
Sergeant Major Udi Peretz (41), sapper: "We are tired of wars and terrorist attacks"
"Being a sapper in the Jerusalem police is a lot of ups and downs. Either there is calm or there is extreme violence," says Peretz.
Police saboteurs are present at almost every event in the city and on every mission - in terrorist attacks, riots, burglaries on the Temple Mount, raids on terrorist homes and at the entrances to the city.
Ahead of the flag parade on Jerusalem Day, the Jerusalem police are on increased alert for fear of disorder and an effort to carry out attacks.
The deployment is also affected by Hamas' threats to fire missiles at Jerusalem if the marchers pass through the Nablus Gate.
Last year, when Hamas fired at Jerusalem, the first to enter the arena were the saboteurs.
This time, too, they are preparing for this possibility.
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"We practiced scenarios," Photo: Police spokeswoman
"We are prepared. We have done training, we have practiced relevant scenarios, from neutralizing suicide bombers and explosive devices to the level of rescue and evacuation of an unexploded rocket," says Peretz, who recently spent a few hours at home every day.
Peretz is married to a policewoman who serves in the Central District, a father of four and a resident of Modi'in.
"I hope today everyone will celebrate and rejoice and return home in peace," he noted.
"We are fed up with wars and terrorist attacks, but if someone does decide in the end to throw a match into the fire, we will know how to put it out."
Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Pinto (27), Commander of the Jerusalem Brigade Command: "The goal - to maintain order and routine"
The YSM, like the entire district, is also preparing for Jerusalem Day. Today marks the culmination of a particularly challenging period in the capital, during which holidays and festivals of members of the three religions were celebrated at the same time.
"During Ramadan, we were barely home, and even when we arrived - it was only for a few hours," shares Pinto, who is married and the father of two small children, who lives in a moshav in the Beit Shemesh area.
"But we are all united and we have an overarching goal - to maintain order and routine and come focused. That is what is important to us, even in 17-16 hour shifts," he says.
Pinto.
"We are all united," Photo: Police spokeswoman
"After the army, I wanted to do something significant and I was looking for a job with a challenge," he explains.
On Jerusalem Day and the flag parade: "I hope that this day will pass quietly. Even if not, we are prepared for any scenario."
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