Jerusalem Day 2011

Jerusalem Day might be easy to overlook in most of the world,

and these signs could possibly be missed,

but the loud music of the “White Night’s” concert in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,

 could be heard blasting all night long even through windows that were shut tight.

What a contrast to the many religious services and festive meals

in other parts of Jerusalem.

Wednesday, June 1 was a beautiful sunny day with blue skies,

perfect weather to be out for a celebration.

Groups of school girls,

organized tours,

young families

and the not so young came to the Old City.

Tourists armed with cameras

found many colorful,

 interesting,  

and enthusiastic subjects to photograph.

School outings

and crowds were common,

as were backups at security

and groups of singing, dancing, flag-waving young men.

The Kotel, the Western Wall, was busy all day.

As a large group of men gathered for an afternoon prayer service,

two Muslim women strolled across the plaza.

Shaded areas were hard to find

for relief from the sun.

 People arrived from all directions before the annual Flag-Dance March.

 

Israeli flags were flying to celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem in June 1967,

which end of 19 years of Jordanian occupation.

Hats

and more flags,

 

a beautiful day,

 but it is always a few trouble makers who make the headlines,

not the thousands and thousands

…who are not news.

Thanks, Henny S for the Flag Parade pic!