Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim) is the day that commemorates Israel’s re-gain of control over the city in 1967. It is celebrated every year in May and is a day featuring festivities and events across Jerusalem. In 2012, Jerusalem Day will feature a range of interesting events. Taking place on May 20, 2012, the festivities will spread across the weekend, beginning on May 17.
Jerusalem Day Events 2012
Jerusalem Syndrome Project
Taking place in the Rehavia neighborhood, the Jerusalem Syndrome Project will feature a host of events on May 17 and 18, 2012.
Events on the evening of May 17
Street poetry in the Khazari Garden, KKL Street between 8pm and 11pm. 2 groups will sing/read poetry ‘Makom Le’shira’ group from 8pm to 9pm and ‘Mashiv Ha’ruach’ group from 9pm to 11pm
Syndrome in the street. Multidisciplinary art exhibition from 8pm to 11pm also in the Khazari Park featuring an art exhibition with works by Bezalel graduates, a video-art exhibition with works by various local artists on the subject ‘Mashiach Psychoza’, and ‘Mashu Mashu’, a theatrical performance.
Farmers market on KKL Street from 7pm
‘Shta’tl Shik’ at the Jiraff garden. 8pm to 11pm at the Salon Shabazi complex. Stage performances by young groups, debate and dialog sessions, storytelling gatherings with familiar characters from Nachlaot, an exhibition and more
Home stories in Rehavia. 8pm to 10pm, Free local tours in unique houses. A guide will be present in each house to tell its unique story. Guides & actors will tell a story about the special spots in Rehavia, its institutions, in a fun and unique way.
Ben Zvi cabin- 8pm to 11pm. Into the night – a large, festive piyyut event with the Ben Zvi Institute piyyut ensemble. Entrance fee – NIS 20
Beit Avi Chai at 8pm. ‘Songs from here’ – the greatest song written about Jerusalem. A special performance with Yardena Arazi, Danny Robbas and Sivan Talmor. Entrance fee – NIS 50. Students NIS 20.
The Incubator Syndrome. Midnight at Beit Avi Chai. A comic performance dealing with the daily life in Jerusalem. A colorful cabaret style with music in many styles. Entrance fee – NIS 40. Students NIS 20.
Events on May 18
Azza Street Syndrome. Colors flavors and music – from 10am to 2pm. Bars and cafés along the streets will host many activities. Music, exhibitions, farmers market and more.
Rehavia – nice to meet. Free tours with Yad Ben Zvi.
Jerus-a-like. Interactive tour in Rehavia, including activities and great experience, getting to know the streets as you never knew before. Media clips, riddles and other activities. Starts at 10am. Pre-registration required on 5398855. For iPhone users only!
Mystery tour in Rehavia for the entire family, surprises and more. Hours: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30
Neighborhood doctors – tour for adults in the streets of Rehavia
Home for the Hebrew woman. Exhibition and dialog with the curator. At 11:00, Beit Halutzot, School of Jerusalem studies.
Hebrew University Jerusalem Day Events and Tours
”The Albert Einstein Archives: Thirty years in Jerusalem,” a tour and talk by Einstein Archives curator Dr. Roni Grosz. In English, at the Einstein Archives, home to Einstein’s private library including his books on philosophy, literature and Judaism. (Thursday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m., on the second floor of the Levi building on the Edmond J. Safra Campus)
”Campus of Sanctuary: A Walking Tour,” a fascinating and inspiring look at the history of Jerusalem and Israel from the unique vantage point of the Hebrew University’s Mt. Scopus campus. In English, led by Haim Aronovitz from the Hebrew University’s Melton Centre for Jewish Education. (Thursday, May 17 at 5 p.m.; at the main gate of the Mt. Scopus campus).
Events are free. Participation is conditional upon pre-registration with the Department of Media Relations at the Hebrew University, by calling 02-5882811.
Official Municipal Festive Ceremony (May 20)
9:00 – Knesset’s festive session in honor of Jerusalem Day (Invitations only)
12:00 – Annual commemoration ceremony for the fallen Ethiopian Jews
14:00 – State’s memorial ceremony for the Six Days War fallen soldiers
15:30 – memorial ceremonies in memory of the fighters and gathering of veterans from the paratroopers and fighters brigade (organized by the Paratroopers Association) – near the monuments at Rockefeller Museum, Sheikh Jarrah, Givat Hatachmoshet, the American Consulate and the Lions Gate
18:00 – The state ceremony celebrating reunification of Jerusalem, with the Prime Minister, Chief of Staff, Mayor and VIPs (invitations only)
21:00 – A sing along evening celebrating Jerusalem Day – at Ammunition Hill (new amphitheater) – open to the public
Event at the Tower of David Museum
Mayor of Jerusalem invites the people of Jerusalem to the traditional reception of Jerusalem Day. The event will take place on Sunday, 20 May, between 15:00-16:30 at the Tower of David Museum. The Museum is open for the public.
Students Day at Sacher Park (May 20)
Jerusalem Students Day and White Night celebrated with the ”sleepless night” tradition at Sacher Park with performances till dawn!
Performances by:
Aviv Geffen and The Tauyot
Idan Raichel Project
Hadag Nahash
Sarit Hadad
Berry Sakharof
Mosh Ben Ari
Neighborhood Performances on May 20
Performances by bands and artists at the Dalia Park Amphitheater at Ramot – 20:00
Opening performance by local band
Singer Shlomo Gronich and the Ramatayim-Tzofim choir
Dance stage – Ramon School at Har Homa – 21:00
Dance stage – Beit Orot Yeshiva at Mount Scopus – 21:00
Dance stage – Har Hamor Yeshiva at Kiryat Yovel – 21:00
Dance of the Flags Parade (May 20)
The annual parade on Jerusalem Day will be held in Jerusalem starting from the afternoon, accompanied by dancing, singing and raising the Israeli flag. Every year, thousands of participants from Israel and across the world take part in the parade. The Dance of the Flags parade ends with a festive ceremony at the Western Wall Plaza.
Main stage at the Western Wall Plaza – 19:00
Two dance stages for the thousands of celebrants in the city center (location to be determined) – 17:00
Event hours: 15:00-24:00
Guided-theatrical tours at Safra Square (May 20)
Tours through the buildings in the square, east & west viewing spots, Model House (a miniature model of the city).
Tours 1 and a quarter hours and depart at 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00 from the palms square at the entrance to Safra Square. Tours are free for the entire family.
