Thousands To Fill Jerusalem Tonight to Mark 59 Years Of Reunification

Thousands are expected to fill Jerusalem Thursday night for Yom Yerushalayim celebrations marking 59 years since the liberation of the Old City and the reunification of the capital during the 1967 Six-Day War.

The traditional Flag March will lead the evening’s events, alongside Western Wall prayers, national ceremonies, youth heritage programs and visits to holy sites under heightened security preparations. The traditional Flag March, usually held during the day on Yom Yerushalayim itself, was moved to Thursday night this year because the holiday falls on Friday, in order to avoid interfering with Shabbat preparations.

Police began deploying from the early morning across central Jerusalem, the Old City and major event areas. About 3,000 police officers, Border Police fighters and volunteers are taking part in the security operation, following months of planning led by Jerusalem District Commander Avshi Peled.

“Every day in Jerusalem is very complex, and Jerusalem Day brings many challenges in terms of security and public order,” Supt. Ido Katzir, head of operations in the Jerusalem District, said in an interview with Channel 14. “We prepared for a wide range of scenarios in terms of manpower, equipment and operational capabilities. The district is using all its forces, with significant national reinforcements. In total, about 3,000 police officers will operate today in the operational deployments.”

The main public event will be the “Rikudgalim” Flag March, with participants gathering from the afternoon at Sacher Park and the International Convention Center. Dancing areas are scheduled near Yeshurun Synagogue and Heichal Shlomo before the march begins around 6:00 p.m. toward the Western Wall.

The march is expected to move through central Jerusalem and toward the Old City, including routes through Jaffa Gate, Zion Gate and Damascus Gate. A main rally is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Western Wall plaza.

Ahead of the march, Religious Zionist rabbis urged participants to avoid provocation and preserve the character of the day.

“Our great strength lies in a firm spirit and in adherence to the Torah, whose ways are ways of pleasantness,” the rabbis wrote. “We call on all celebrants to stand firm and be careful not to be dragged after attempts at provocation that seek to cast a shadow over the day.”

Central Jerusalem roads and routes leading toward the Old City will begin closing from the afternoon and will reopen gradually as the march advances. The light rail will operate in a reduced format, and buses will be diverted away from blocked roads. Police called on the public to obey officers in the field and show patience.

Official events will also be held throughout the evening. A state ceremony marking 59 years since Jerusalem’s reunification is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at Ammunition Hill, with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion expected to attend. A Yom Yerushalayim rally is also planned later at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva.

The Education Ministry said about 12,000 young guides and youth counselors from across Israel are taking part in Jerusalem events under the theme “Bible Trails.” Students are visiting heritage sites across the city, including Ammunition Hill, Nachlaot, the Knesset, City of David and the Jewish Quarter.

“Jerusalem is not only the capital of the State of Israel. It is also the place where the Jewish, Zionist and Israeli story meet in the deepest way,” Education Minister Yoav Kisch said. “On this day, thousands of youth march through the city’s streets, encounter the stories of the Bible, history and heritage, and understand that they are part of a chain that has continued for generations. The connection to Jerusalem is not only a memory of a glorious past, but also a responsibility for our shared future here.”

Police are expected to remain deployed across Jerusalem until the Flag March and related events conclude, as the capital marks one of its central national days with ceremonies, prayer gatherings and public celebrations.