Jerusalem Celebrates Israel’s 64th

This week was a roller coaster ride of emotions,

going from mourning on Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day,

to the joyous celebrations for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

On Thursday night fireworks displays lit up the sky over Jerusalem,

"picture Israeli flag", "photo Jerusalem", "image flags"

to celebrate Israel at 64.

In Jerusalem on Yom Ha’azmaut

"picture hammer","photo hammer", "image hammer"

the hammers were bigger, but softer.

"picture people looking up". "photo people looking up", "image Jerusalem"

These people were watching the Air Force fly over, 

but by their expressions I assume they missed my blog post.

The annual International Bible Contest was held in the morning 

and the Israel Prizes were presented in the evening,

"picture grilling", "photo Jerusalem", "image cooking meat"

but most people spent much of the day at a mangal, a BBQ, grilling meat.

"picture Gan Sacker", image sacker park", "Photo picnic"

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was the site of many family reunions,

"picture Israeli soldiers", "photo picnic', "image BBQ"

but I spent most of the day in Gan Sacher with 400 lone soldiers.

The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin’s mangal

served 60 kilo of meat to  young people from around the world and Israel,

who do not have families here with whom to celebrate. 

See more  photos of the event on the Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.

"picture Sacher park", "image park", "photo kids playing"

Gan Sacher did not seem as crowded as usual,

as there were plenty of open spaces for a “foam fight”

"picture Jerusalem", "Israel image", "photo Independence Day"

and there was plenty of the foam for sale.

I was impressed that in such a relaxed atmosphere, people made time for 

"picture Sackr park". "photo men praying", "image prayer service outside"

this impromptu mincha, afternoon prayer, one of many that took place.

"grilling photo", "picture smoke from cooking", "Image smoky BBQ"

Smoke filled the sky all day,

"picture Gan Sacher", "photo Sacker Park" ,"image park Jerusalem"

while the weather was perfect.

"picture Gan Sackr", "photo picnic" "image Jerusalem party"

 Tons of equipment were schlepped and food consumed… and beer.

"picture small flag", "photo Israeli flag", "image small flag'

Israel at 64 was celebrated in Jerusalem in a big way.

Why do Israelis get so hung up about their Independence Day?

We will keep looking for answers to the question.

10 thoughts on “Jerusalem Celebrates Israel’s 64th

Leave a Reply to therealjerusalemstreets Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.