Jerusalem Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Jerusalem Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Jerusalem Day is observed on June 5th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Jerusalem Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about Jerusalem Day.

📅 What day is Jerusalem Day 2024?

In 2024, Jerusalem Day is on Monday, June 5th. It is the 1st Monday in June; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the fun details and facts about June 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Jerusalem Day, also known as Yom Yerushalayim, is a national holiday in Israel that is celebrated on the 28th day of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which falls on June 5 this year. It commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem and the restoration of Israeli control over the Old City after a six-day battle against the Jordanian forces in 1967. The day is marked by various activities including the recitation of special prayers in synagogues, educational lectures about Jerusalem’s history, street parades, festive celebrations, official ceremonies, and memorial services for the soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict.

📜 Jerusalem Day History

Israel emerged as the victor in the war, with Jordan also gaining some success, while Egypt and Palestine suffered defeat. Following the conflict, Jordan took control of East Jerusalem and the Old City, while the majority of Jerusalem came under Israeli authority. The Old City held great strategic importance and housed significant religious sites, prompting Israeli forces to reclaim it. This objective was achieved on June 7, 1967, during a six-day battle between Israel and Jordan. When the war concluded on June 11, Jerusalem was reunited with Israel through a cease-fire agreement. The 28th of Iyar on the Hebrew calendar, which coincided with this date, was later designated as Jerusalem Day. This day was formally recognized as a national holiday in 1998 by the Israeli government, although it is not a public holiday, and is commemorated by the Jewish community worldwide.

✅ Jerusalem Day Facts

🔖 It houses the world’s oldest cemetery
The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is a historical site that serves as the oldest continuously used cemetery globally, having more than 150,000 Jewish burials throughout its existence.

🔖 It is a walled city

🔖 It snows in Jerusalem
Despite the fact that Israel is mostly a desert, Jerusalem, located at an elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level, experiences cold weather and even receives snow.

👍 Why Is Jerusalem Day Important

Jerusalem Day teaches us about how the day came to be.People, particularly the younger generation, learn about their past.

The day honors those who worked to make Jerusalem what it is today. These slain soldiers must not be forgotten, and Jerusalem Day honors them.

Knowing the history of Jerusalem helps people understand the need to preserve specific cultural norms. Some traditional values may be lost over time, but festivities like this keep them in check.

🙂 How To Observe Jerusalem Day

⚡ Attend a street parade

⚡ Recite the Hallel prayer
The Hallel prayer is recited on Jewish festivals as a way for observant Jews to express their gratitude and admiration. It is a chant that serves as a commemoration of the day.

⚡ Prepare a special meal
Attend a street procession to commemorate the occasion. There will be several street parades; all you have to do is choose one and enjoy yourself.

📅 When is Jerusalem Day?

View all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Jewish holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Jerusalem Day. So be sure to check back soon.