Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, was May 14, 2026, until Friday evening, May 15.
Jerusalem Day is the Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem following the Six-Day War in 1967.
This year, with a full week of celebrations, it was hard to keep up.
A large banner was posted – ‘Jerusalem 59 – Happy Holiday’ near the walls of the Old City, by Jaffa Gate.
Flags were blowing in the breeze, lining the street by the Tower of David.
For the second year, the Tower of David hosted a Jerusalem Quiz for middle school students.
During an interlude from the questions about Jerusalem, the Montefiores stopped by.
One of the questions was where the Tower of David is cited in sources. Did you know?
The organizers want to make this an annual international event.
I thought I knew a lot about Jerusalem, but these young people knew a lot more.
Interestingly, the winner does not live in Jerusalem; she attends a secular girls’ school in Jerusalem.
To say her teacher was proud would be an understatement.
Also, in the lead-up to Jerusalem Day, an event was held at the Jerusalem International Conference Center led by President Isaac Herzog. “Time to Talk” to build hope for the future was the theme.
Actress Gal Gadot was one of the featured participants.
However, there were many impressive presenters from a wide variety of fields, including sports. Moran Samuel, the Israeli Paralympic basketball player and world champion rower, was one sporting hero.
For Yom Yerushalayim 59, the Old City Walls were lit with a happy holiday greeting with flags.
The Knesset was covered with blue and white lights as the Israeli flags flew above.
The official celebrations in Yerushalayim begin in the morning, with the Prime Minister and President speaking at the State Memorial Ceremony for Ethiopian Jews who perished on their journey to Israel.
At nightfall, the President and Prime Minister spoke at the state ceremony marking 59 years since the liberation and unification of Jerusalem at Ammunition Hill.
However, the major event was on Thursday during the day.
Tens of thousands of people came from the north and south to celebrate.
Every inch of King George Street fills with crowds, singing and dancing before walking to the Kotel, the Western Wall.
Gan Haatzmaut, Independence Park, was filled with young families in the afternoon.
The crowd at Damascus Gate was large and mostly male teens.
Schools had buses bring their teachers and students.
The media were positioned on both sides of the plaza at Damascus Gate.
Senior police were let through to observe.
Current Israeli ministers marched with their flags and supporters.
Political hopefuls also had their party flags and supporters.
Security was on the lookout throughout the route.
The beautiful horses were also patrolling.
Thouands came and went from Damascus Gate without incident.
Outside the walls of the Old City, in what was No Man’s Land from 1948-1967, it was easy to find the direction for afternoon prayers.
Musicians were performing loudly at Tzahal Square.
As usual, the crowds of tens of thousands of people do not make headlines.
This woman was slowly walking toward Damascus Gate, late in the afternoon.
The crowd did not let up; people kept coming.
So this year, I did not take the route through the Old City.
It gets difficult to walk the narrow Via Dolorosa to the Kotel, Western Wall, because of the number of people.
My big complaint was the mess left behind on Agron Street.
Many synagogues throughout Jerusalem had musical evening services.
Ohel Nechama Synagogue had the Leviim Choir on Thursday night for Yom Yerushalayim.
Come and see Jerusalem Day for yourself.
Experience. Music. Prayer. Dancing. Singing.
I stayed away for the first few years after making aliyah. What a mistake.
I started The Real Jerusalem Streets because what I was seeing was not what the media shared.
Share what is really happening.
I have a hundred more photos I could show you, but for now – More photos HERE
The annual International Writers’ Festival at Mishkanot Shaanamim is scheduled for May 25-28.
Shavuot begins Thursday night, so onto the next days of celebrations.
Chag Sameach!
