Jerusalem Day, celebrated this year on May 24 (corresponding to the 28th day of the Jewish month of Iyar) marks 50 years since the reunification of the capital city.
Dozens of shows, tours, concerts, parades, ceremonies and exhibitions are taking place this week throughout the city.
Jerusalem Celebrates 50, an audiovisual projection on the Old City walls at night, is accompanied by performances by iconic Israeli singers such as David D’Or, Eviatar Banai, Sarit Hadad and Shuli Natan (who recorded “Jerusalem of Gold” in 1967). The 20-projector laser light show, designed by Epson and S.A. Systems, is ongoing through mid-July.
On May 24, actors dressed as central characters from Jerusalem’s past and present will mingle with visitors at the Tower of David Museum. There will be a concert by the Andalusian Orchestra, and at 5pm the museum will open its new multimedia “50 Years 50 Faces” documentary exhibition featuring the images and recorded stories of 50 Jerusalem residents. Admission is free.
A free guided tour of Safra Square (City Hall Plaza) in English will take place on May 24 at 11am.
Jerusalem was divided between Israeli and Jordanian rule for 19 years following the 1948 War of Independence. During that time, access to the holy sites of the Old City was severely restricted by the Jordanian military. On June 7, 1967, one day into what would become known as the Six-Day War, Israeli forces recaptured the Old City and it has been open to all ever since.
For more information about Jerusalem Day events, click here.
