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Jerusalem Day

Embrace the rich history and vibrant culture of the Holy City on Jerusalem Day - a day marking unity, liberation, and heritage.
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June 5
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Introduction

Immerse yourself in vibrant traditions and historic celebrations on June 5 for Jerusalem Day! Signaling unity, liberation, and heritage, this day marks the anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War. Celebrated with great pomp and magnificence, Jerusalem Day is a grand display of dancing, singing, and marches through the city, along with special ceremonies and exciting activities that captivate both locals and tourists alike. Embark on this extraordinary journey and experience the wonder of Jerusalem on this remarkable day. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this significant moment in history!

History of Jerusalem Day

Jerusalem Day Dates

Jerusalem Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Jerusalem Divided</div><div class='timeline-text'>Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, with the Old City on the Jordanian side.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Six-Day War</div><div class='timeline-text'>Israel gained control over all of Jerusalem and the West Bank during the Six-Day War in June 1967.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Jerusalem Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Jerusalem Day was first celebrated on May 12, 1968 with a state ceremony on Ammunition Hill.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Legal Holiday Status</div><div class='timeline-text'>Jerusalem Day was given the status of a national holiday in 1998, leading to bigger celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fifty Year Anniversary</div><div class='timeline-text'>2017 marked the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem Day, with hundreds of thousands of people attending the celebrations in Jerusalem.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Jerusalem Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in the Rikudgalim</h3><p class='facts-text'>Traditionally, the Rikudgalim, or Flag Dance, is an integral part of the Jerusalem Day celebrations. Grab an Israeli flag and join in the dance parade that moves through the streets towards the Western Wall in the old city. This jubilant event is filled with music, dancing, singing, and a sense of unity and joy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a Memorial Ceremony</h3><p class='facts-text'>Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers who fought in the Six-Day War by attending a memorial ceremony at one of the city's key military cemeteries. By reflecting on their sacrifices, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Jerusalem Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Experience a Light Show</h3><p class='facts-text'>To celebrate the vibrancy and vitality of Jerusalem, spectacular light shows are usually held across the city on this day. Take time to experience these visually stunning displays projected onto iconic buildings, showcasing the city's history and culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Indulge in local Cuisine</h3><p class='facts-text'>No celebration is complete without food! Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying some traditional Jerusalem dishes or going on a culinary walking tour. Enjoy iconic foods like hummus, falafel, and shawarma, and celebrate the city's culinary heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit the Old City</h3><p class='facts-text'>Explore the ancient streets of Jerusalem’s old city, home to significant religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Make sure to visit the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This will provide a tangible connection to history and deepen your understanding of the city's religious significance.</p></div></div>

Why Jerusalem Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the rich history and unity of Jerusalem</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Jerusalem Day is not just a day of celebration, but also a remembrance of the rich history and unity of one of the oldest cities in the world. The day marks the reunification of Jerusalem and honours the important historical events that have shaped the city. It offers a perfect occasion to understand, appreciate, and memorialize the city's vibrant past and heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It offers a variety of activities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From engaging in traditional dances to attending memorial ceremonies, watching spectacular light shows, and indulging in local cuisines, Jerusalem Day offers a broad spectrum of activities. It allows both locals and tourists to be a part of these celebrations, providing an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the spirit of the city.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It offers the opportunity to connect with significant religious sites</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The old city of Jerusalem is home to significant religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Visiting these sites on Jerusalem Day provides a tangible connection to history and deepens our understanding of the city's religious significance. The chance to explore these ancient streets and iconic structures is an unforgettable experience that draws people from all over the world.</p></div></div>

5 Intriguing Aspects of Jerusalem Day Celebrations

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Jerusalem Day Became an Official Holiday in 1998</h3><p class='facts-content'>While Jerusalem Day was first celebrated in 1968, it wasn't until 1998 that it was officially declared as a national holiday by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. It's now a widely celebrated event with a multitude of events and activities across the country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Kotel, and Ammunition Hill are Key Locations of Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>Key locations of celebration include the Western Wall (Kotel), believed to be a last remnant of the Second Jewish Temple, and Ammunition Hill, a site of key battles during the Six-Day War, with both locations hosting special ceremonies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Jerusalem Day Features Traditional Jewish Music and Dance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Music and dance play a significant role in the celebrations, with traditional Jewish music echoing through the streets and the circles of Hora dancers flourishing across parade routes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Jerusalem of Gold" Is the Anthem of Jerusalem Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>The song “Jerusalem of Gold” by Naomi Shemer has become closely associated with Jerusalem Day celebrations. It was first performed just a few weeks before the Six-Day War in 1967, and quickly became popular nationwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Parade Route Follows the Path Trodden by Paratroopers in 1967</h3><p class='facts-content'>The parade route taken during Jerusalem Day celebrations symbolically follows the very path trodden by the paratroopers who reunited Jerusalem in 1967. This walk down memory lane pays homage to their heroism and resilience.</p></div></div>

Jerusalem Day FAQs

Jerusalem Day Dates

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Date
Day

2023

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2025

2026

2027

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