Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, marks the anniversary of 58 years since the city’s unification in the Six Day War – and it’s not only a reason to wave flags, but also an opportunity to truly experience the city: visit historic sites, stroll through green corners, discover museums with new exhibitions, and ride along bike paths that circle the city. Here’s everything you need to know for the upcoming celebrations, tours, and events in Israel’s capital.
The Starting Point: Key Houses in Zionism
The tour in Jerusalem can begin on Ben Maimon Boulevard at the Levi Eshkol House – an eclectic-style building that hosted David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, and Yitzhak Rabin. The structure served as the Prime Minister’s residence from 1954 to 1974, and today offers an inside look at Israeli leadership during the state’s formative years.
From there, just a short walk away, you’ll reach the National Institutions House on KKL Street – a monumental building from 1929 that housed the Jewish Agency, Keren Hayesod, and the Jewish National Fund. This was one of the first sites where Jewish political administration operated in the Land of Israel under British Mandate rule.
A Windmill, a Museum – and Everything in Between
Near the city center awaits the historic windmill on Ramban Street – a 19th-century structure that tells the story of Jewish settlement outside the Old City walls. It was built by a local Orthodox community, and initially operated by wind before transitioning to steam power.
From there, you can continue to the Israel Museum, which marks 60 years of activity with eight new exhibitions. Among them is Transparent Laboratory – a tribute to the museum’s conservation department, and The Lost Photographs from Israel by French filmmaker Chris Marker. It’s a rare opportunity to encounter history, art, and culture under one roof – quite literally.
By Bike or on Foot: Jerusalem Unfolds Before You
If you’re in the mood to step out into the scenery, there are several excellent trails suitable for both families with children and experienced riders:
Valley of the Cedars and the Hidden Lake: A circular trail near Motza, with seating areas, playgrounds, and stunning views of the Jerusalem Hills. Perfect for picnics, light hiking, and family biking.
From the First Station to Ein Lavan: A route passing through the Park HaMesila, Emek Refaim, and the Biblical Zoo – ending at two natural spring pools. An ideal urban-nature mix for those wanting it all.
Nayot Park – Valley of the Cross – Sacher Park: Urban nature at its best, including wide lawns and the Monastery of the Cross – with an option to end with relaxation in Jerusalem’s central park.
Jerusalem Ring Trail: For avid hikers and bikers, a 42 km trail encircling the city, connecting its green areas with its historic heart.
Museum of Tolerance
For Jerusalem Day, the Museum of Tolerance offers a special walking tour called Between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai – a tour through Hillel and Shammai Streets, focusing on Jewish traditions of debate through the generations. The tour explores different moments in the city’s history marked by public, social, and religious disagreements – from ancient times to the present. Each stop tells a thought-provoking story, and with contemporary commentary and historical sources, a bridge is built between ancient Jerusalem and the challenges of today’s Israeli society.
This tour is suitable for both adults and youth, offering not just knowledge but a renewed perspective on the concept of tolerance.
Monday, May 26 – Official Jerusalem Day
08:00 | Armon Hanatziv Promenade
Festive prayer with musical instruments marking 58 years since the city’s unification.
09:00–15:00 | Safra Square
Visitor center tour – city model, 106 municipal hotline, observation points, logic games, escape room. (Advance registration required, symbolic fee)
11:30–12:30 | Pisgat Ze’ev Cultural Hall
Jerusalem Lover – a musical-story morning with Shimon Parnas and Moti Sery.
16:00 | Bezalel Street > Western Wall
Traditional Flag Dance – mass march, performances, main rally at the Western Wall with rabbis, ministers, and public figures.
19:30 | Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva
Thanksgiving Assembly – hosted by Yedidya Meir, with Lahavah Orchestra and public dignitaries.
20:00–22:00 | Lev Smadar Cinema
Mountain Air – a live show inspired by Jerusalem of Gold and Jerusalem of Iron.
20:00–22:00 | YMCA
Concert by the Jerusalem Quartet – part of the international series in memory of Wasser-Wolfensohn.
Flag Dance on Jerusalem Day | Photo: Zack Wajsgras/Flash90
Tuesday, May 27
20:00 | Beit Ha’am Cultural Hall
To You, Jerusalem – tribute evening to Jerusalemite women. Performances by Miri Mesika and Ruhama Raz.
Wednesday, May 28 – White Night
20:00 | Safra Square
Student Day – live performances, parties, and DJs in three clubs:
Rothschild Bar – Techno (Pumpui, Noya, Rom Liba)
Pergamon – Techno (Only Ori, Melodic)
The Dublin – Mainstream (DJ Barak Kapiloto)
Audience cheering at a concert, illustration | Photo: Yahav Gamliel/Flash90
Thursday, May 29
20:00 | Safra Square
Above Mount Scopus – David D’Or hosts Idan Haviv, Narkis, and Ruhama Raz.
