So, things are a little different this year, but there are still some great ideas of events you can join to commemorate the special day of Yom Yerushalayim! Some are online, many are free or at a very symbolic cost.
Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) begins tomorrow night, May 21 until Friday, May 22. It is an Israeli national holiday, this year commemorating 53 years since the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War.
Here are some ideas of how you can make this day special, despite the limits we have in this post-corona period.
The Kotel
Usually, there is a special prayer service open to the public at the Kotel in honour of Yom Yerushalayim. This year, however, you can watch it live from 19:30 on their Facebook Page.
On Thursday, May 21, the Tower of David Museum will be open to visitors for one day (for the first time since March 15).
Admission will be free from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The showrooms will be closed and visitors are invited to visit the citadel, the archaeological garden and climb up to the highest view in the Old City, located on the Petzal Tower in the citadel, overlooking Jerusalem with a 360 degree view.
The museum has the purple standard from the Ministry of Health and is committed to all disinfection and cleaning guidelines.
FREE Tours - There is a long list of amazing FREE tours of Jerusalem that start from the Tower of David. You can choose what interests you and sign up by clicking here!
Hurry and register while places remain. Places are limited.
This historical site that was so crucial in our battle for Jerusalem will be open especially, on Friday,May 22.
However, as has been in place since reopening on May 12, you can only come if you have registered in advance for the set tours. You are not allowed there without a guide.
You must call *2967 to book your place. First come first served - places are limited. Tours are free. More details on their Facebook page.
United Hatzalah of Israel presents a FREE YOM YERUSHALAYIM VIRTUAL CONCERT
This event has incredible musicians and will help you celebrate from your own home!
When? MAY 21 - 8PM Israel time, 6PM UK time, 1pm EST, 10AM PST
Starring: Naftali and Shlomo Abramson, Zusha, Chaim Dovid, Nuriel, Rav Shlomo Katz and The Portnoy Brothers
Tours of Ein Kerem
Ein Kerem is a beautiful tranquil village and neighborhood in the west of Jerusalem, full of history and culture.
You can select from various tours of Ein Kerem, running from tomorrow and through to the weekend for nominal fees. (Hebrew). Click here for more details.
Go behind the scenes as The Koby Mandell Foundation and Comedy For Koby present some of your Comedy for Koby favorites! Join in as Avi Liberman and their hilarious guests reminisce on some of their funny, unique and sometimes profound experiences traveling and performing around Israel. And just like their live shows, they will open up for a Q&A from the audience at the end.
When? Thursday May 21, 2020 – 8:00pm Israel Time (1:00pm EST)
Scaventures Jerusalem Quarantine Quest
If you are looking for something interactive and online, the Yom Yerushalayim Quarantine Quest is an online team challenge that can be played from home or anywhere in the world.
Little Compass: Fun Activities to do at home
This website was born out of the corona-lockdown period and was developed by educators to help families get through all the time at home.
Celebrate Yom Yerushalayim from the comfort of your own home with a fun DIY tour of Jerusalem - explore the Kotel, Yemin Moshe, and more! Click here for all the details.
Let us know how you are celebrating!!