The Haftara of Tetzaveh (when the parasha does not coincide with Shabbat Zachor) refers to the “Harel”, which is generally translated as the “hearth” of the altar, though Rashi defines it as the top of the mizbeach. Ibn Ezra comments that “Harel” is one of the names of Yerushalayim.0
During the War of Independence, the Palmach, the elite unit of the Hagana, established the Harel Brigade. The name was chosen because the brigade was designated to fight in the Yerushalayim area.0
Radar Hill, so named because the British built a radar facility there, is one of the strategic hills controlling the approach to Yerushalayim.0
In the War of Independence, the Harel Brigade attacked but failed to liberate Radar Hill.0
During the Six Day War, the Harel Armored Brigade succeeded in liberating the Hill.0
Today, one can visit the Harel Brigade Monument at Radar Hill, seeing remains of the Jordanian trenches and bunkers and Israeli tanks and armored vehicles which overcame those fortifications. Climbing up to the top of the monument affords a beautiful view of the approach to Yerushalayim and conveys the strategic importance of the hill.0
