Jerusalem’s Golden Anniversary
Question:
What is “Jerusalem Day” all about, when is it, how is it celebrated and what is it called in Hebrew? Thanks.
AskTheRabbi.org answered:
Jerusalem Day – “Yom Yerushalayim” in Hebrew – is an Israeli holiday that commemorates the date when the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount returned to Israeli and Jewish possession in 1967 as a result of Israel’s stunning and miraculous victory in the “Six-Day War”.
This year will be a very notable year for celebrating since it is the 50th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty.
The date of Jerusalem Day is Iyar 28, which this year (2017) corresponds to Wednesday, May 24. (It actually begins on the previous evening, as do all days in the Jewish calendar.)
It is quite fascinating to note that this date is also the exact same Hebrew date that commemorates the passing of the prophet Samuel. Samuel, during King David’s reign, played a crucial role in determining Jerusalem to be the site of the Temple. (A coincidence?)
The day is marked by state ceremonies, memorial services for soldiers who died in the battle for Jerusalem and parades throughout downtown Jerusalem. The Western Wall plaza is the site of great celebrations of singing, dancing and giving thanks to God for the return of Jerusalem.