Over 60,000 Celebrate Yom Yerushalayim in Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s annual Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) parade took place Wednesday afternoon, transforming downtown Jerusalem into a veritable sea of blue and white with more than 60,000 spectators, many carrying Israeli flags, looking on.

The streets of Jerusalem were filled with impromptu dancing and singing while traffic along King George Avenue were re-routed as the city celebrated 46 years of reunification. The march ended at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City which had been under occupation for 19 years.

Waving flags and singing at the Rikudgalim, or flag dance, were many members of youth groups, and visitors from other cities who came especially for the event. Bands performed on special stages that had been set up along King George Avenue.

Throughout the world, Zionist Jews mark Yom Yerushalayim with a range of events including recitations of the Hallel prayer for praise and thanksgiving in synagogues; street parades, parties, singing and dancing; special meals; and lectures on the history and future of Jerusalem and Zionism. In Jerusalem, a public reception by the mayor of Jerusalem, state ceremonies and memorial services for those who died in the Six-Day War are also held. In Israel, some people mark the occasion by traveling or even hiking to Jerusalem. Non-Zionist Jews and Arabs may see the day as one of mourning and wear black or fly black flags.