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Jerusalem marks its day in ways as varied as its inhabitants

On the 49th year of the city’s reunification, there are official and alternative ways to celebrate

By Jessica Steinberg

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5 June 2016, 2:23 pm

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Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center

Jerusalem's alternative Jerusalem Day march will be hosted for the third time Sunday, June 5, by the Yerushalmit Movement (Courtesy Yerushalmit Movement)

With Jerusalem Day underway, the city is hosting a wide range of events in its public spaces and neighborhood community centers, celebrating 49 years since its 1967 reunification.

Besides the flag-waving march of thousands of Jerusalem supporters on Sunday afternoon, there’s also the alternative Jerusalem Day events, celebrating Jerusalem’s diversity and hosted by the Yerushalmit Movement.

That event starts with a parade on Sunday afternoon, led by the 15-piece brass band Marsh Dondurma, from the Oranim Junction along the Train Track Park to the First Station, Sunday, June 5, from 4:30 p.m.

There will be discounted entry to the kids’ play area of the First Station, and Knesset member Rachel Azaria will speak to the parade participants at 6 p.m.

For film buffs, there’s JeruFest, two days of films celebrating Jerusalem at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, June 8-10. And Monday, June 6, brings Going Up to the Knesset, sessions and conversations about Jerusalem, democracy and the city’s future, at the Knesset.

From the city’s official Jerusalem Day calendar, one of the main celebrations is a concert with Yehuda Poliker, taking place on Monday night, June 6, in Safra Square (9 p.m., NIS 50 for tickets ordered beforehand at ticket agency Bimot, NIS 40 for those with a Jerusalem card and NIS 60 on the night of the concert).

Students will celebrate their annual student day in conjunction with Jerusalem Day at the city’s Sacher Park, with an all-night show performed on two stages. There’s Ouzo Bazooka, Hadag Nahash hosting Nechi Nech, Dudu Aharon, Aviv Geffen and The Tauyot, Hatikva 6 with Tuna, and the Balkan Beat Box with A-WA on one end of the park, while the Indy Stage will host Hayelala, Hila Ruah, Lucille Crew, Shai Tsabari, Kutiman Orchestra and Echo & Tito on Malox. Performances begin Sunday night, June 5, 9 p.m., with tickets available at Bimot.

There are several other events taking place throughout the week in various Jerusalem neighborhoods, including singer Aharon Razel in Kiryat Menachem, June 7, NIS 40 per ticket, and the Jerusalem Andalusian Orchestra at the Tower of David Museum on the afternoon of Sunday, June 5.

Twelve Yakir Jerusalem awards will be given to 12 residents of the city on Monday evening, June 6, at the Tower of David Museum, awarded to people who influenced and contributed their time and talents to the city.