On Monday, May 30, 2011,
main streets in Jerusalem were closed to all vehicles,
except the old tractors on parade
and some special bikers.
Groups of young people gathered
in Gan Ha’atzmaut, Independence Park.
Thousands of people
dressed in blue and white, came together,
many from kibbutzim and moshavim
throughout the country to take part in this annual
pre-Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, event.
As last year, Noam Shalit was one of the speakers
and got most of the media attention,
on Gilad Shalit’s 1800 day of captivity.
Flags and marchers accompanied tractors as they went from Agron Street
to King George Street,
where a few spectators watched from above
and below as the old pieces of farm equipment led off the parade.
Thousands of people filled King George Street
with music
and blue and white Israeli flags.
Marchers and tractors outnumbered spectators as the route turned
and filled Bezalel Street
on the way to Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,
where a huge stage was ready for a night-time concert.
Thousands came early to get a good spot on the grass.
Tens of thousands of people,
hours of family fun,
ending with a fire works display,
and
NO violence… so it was not news
Happy. Jerusalem Day!
More photos on The Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.
