Jerusalem Day 2017
Jerusalem Day, or Yom Yerushalayim in Hebrew, celebrates the day in 1967 when the two sides of Jerusalem became united.
When the State of Israel was declared, it was proposed that Jerusalem would be an international city for 10 years and then a vote amongst the residents would determine if the city is Israeli or Jordanian. Instead, the Jordanians captured the Old City and the eastern side of Jerusalem, creating a divide city.
In 1967, Jordan attacked Israel, beginning a war between the Jewish country and its neighbors. After six days, Israel had gained control, among other areas, over a newly united Jerusalem.
For the first time in 19 years Jews gained access to the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. In the video above that documents these special moments, people are heard saying “The Temple Mount is in our hands,” and singing Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem, on the Temple Mount.
One of the laws passed following the Six Day War enables free access by the members of every religion to the many holy places of the city.
Jerusalem Day is celebrated on the 28th of the Hebrew month of Iyar, commemorating the day of reunification.
Jerusalem Day Events
In 2017 Jerusalem Day falls on Tuesday, May 24, beginning the evening before.
2017 Jerusalem Day events will be updated soon
Jerusalem Day Parade
Tens of thousands participate in the Jerusalem Day annual parade, called Rikudgalim in Hebrew (a play on the words dance and flags). It begins in the afternoon and ends at the Western Wall plaza.
Where: Bezalel Street (girls) and the Great Synagogue (boys)
When: June 5, 2016 from 4:00 to 11:00 pm
The Mayor’s Jerusalem Day Reception
Meet and greet with Mayor Nir Barkat at the Tower of David Museum and a special performance by the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra and singer Uziya Tzadok
Where: The Tower of David Museum, Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem
When: June 5, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
Tours of Safra Square
Free guided tours of the municipality in Hebrew, English, Russian, French, Spanish and German
Where: Safra Square, Jerusalem
When: June 5, 2016 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (tours start on the hour)
Cost: Free
Official Jerusalem Unification Day Ceremony
Jerusalem commemorates 49 years of unity. The President of Israel, Prime Minister, Ministers, the Mayor of Jerusalem, the Chief of Staff, the Chief of Police and bereaved families will be in attendance.
Where: Ammunition Hill memorial site (Givat Hatahmoshet), Jerusalem
When: June 5, 2016 at 7:30 pm
White Night, Student Day in Jerusalem
Another tradition on Jerusalem Day is the annual Student Day. Student Day is a great opportunity to expose yourself to a full night of some of the best music Israel has to offer, including Ouzo Bazooka, Hadag Nahash, Aviv Geffen VeHaTa’uyot Balkan Beat Box and many more.
Where: Sacher Park, Jerusalem
When: June 5, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
Official Memorial Ceremony
Where: Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
When: June 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Remembrance Ceremonies for Combat Soldiers
Where: Sheikh Jarrah, Ammunition Hill, The US Consulate, Lions Gate and the Rockefeller Museum
When: June 5, 2016 at 4:00 pm
White Night photos by Omri Ezra
Parade photos from the Jerusalem Municipality and Wikipedia creative commons