Celebrate Jerusalem Day 2025 in the Heart of the City

What Is Jerusalem Day?

Every year Israel marks Jerusalem Day, commemorating the military operation during the 1967 Six Day War in which Israel took control of Jerusalem’s Old City and other nearby areas from Jordan, which had occupied the area since the 1940s. The successful liberation of the Old City came as somewhat of a surprise, as Israel’s paratroopers brigade had suffered harsh fighting and losses leading up to the moment when they took control of the area and sounded a shofar next to the Western Wall. “The Israeli Defense Forces have liberated Jerusalem,” Defense Minister Moshe Dayan announced to the world that day.

Extending Israeli sovereignty to this part of the city reunified Jerusalem and put the whole city under Jewish governance for the first time in 2,000 years, sparking jubilation throughout the Diaspora. This accomplishment finally allowed Jews and anyone else the opportunity to safely visit and pray at the Western Wall and other significant sites. Bringing the Old City and East Jerusalem under Israeli rule also improved security and the economic and cultural development of the Old City for decades to come. 

What Day Is Jerusalem Day in 2025?

The events that Jerusalem Day celebrates happened on June 7, 1967, just a few days before the Six Day War concluded. However the day is marked each year according to the Hebrew calendar date, which was the 28th day of the month of Iyyar. That day is different each year on the secular calendar, which is based on a solar rather than lunar calculation of months, but always falls during May or June. Because days on the Hebrew calendar begin at nightfall rather than at midnight, Jerusalem Day (like all Jewish holidays and sabbaths) actually begins in the evening and lasts until nightfall the next day.

This year, Jerusalem Day begins at sunset on the evening of May 25 and lasts until sundown on May 26.

What Does Jerusalem Day Celebrate?

In addition to marking the military victory, the day celebrates Jerusalem and its reunified status that continues to help the city flourish today. With the Old City becoming part of the State of Israel, many of the most significant Jewish holy and cultural sites suddenly became accessible and safe for Israelis, and they remain that way today. This is in stark contrast with much of the last 2,000 years, when various ruling powers banned Jews from parts of the city, or severely limited their freedom and religious practices, and even used violence to enforce these discriminatory policies.    

Jerusalem now serves as a cultural capital in Israel, combining the ancient and modern. Perhaps this is best illustrated by the Alrov Mamilla Avenue, an outdoor dining and retail complex that connects the old and new parts of the city. The reunified city also allows many institutions, including Hebrew University, The Antiquities Authority and The Israel Museum to have a presence across the city. Areas once off limits to Jews and Israelis, including the Jaffa Gate, the City of David and the Sultan’s Pool are now major cultural attractions, featuring museums, concerts and other events. 

How the City Comes Alive on Jerusalem Day?

The city takes on a festive atmosphere on Jerusalem Day, with both private and public events. There are often outdoor concerts, festive prayer services in synagogues and other special events. One of the main events is a parade, complete with music and Israeli flags, in which many youth march from the western part of the city to the Western Wall, where they spend the evening dancing. 

Other places worth visiting on Jerusalem Day, and often hosting events, include Ammunition Hill, where much of the battle for the city took place; and Old Yishuv Court Museum in the Old City, which tells the story of Jewish communities inside the city walls over the years. Of course, Israelis also commemorate those soldiers who died that day and during the Six Day War in general, during which 776 Israeli soldiers fell in battles .

Where to Stay: The Inbal Hotel’s Prime Location.

For those planning to visit the city on Jerusalem Day or any other time, the Inbal Hotel is a great option for both luxurious amenities and its proximity to the Old City and many other sites. The Old City, including the Jaffa Gate and Western Wall, is within walking distance; so are important sites in the modern part of the city, including the downtown area, First Station and numerous parks and picturesque streets. The hotel itself offers beautiful views of Jerusalem, especially from the swimming pool, which is surrounded by gardens. Its dining options, including a chef restaurant, cocktail bar and lobby cafe, offer menus that reflect the history and diverse cuisine of the city.

Early booking is advised for those who want to experience Jerusalem Day from the comfort and elegance of Inbal Hotel.