In addition to the informal gatherings of friends and family over a barbecue, there are excellent organized events on offer to celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day in Jerusalem. Though it really depends on who you are and what you enjoy, below are some examples of top ways to spend the day.
1. Independence Day at the Jerusalem TheaterOne of the most special ways for the whole family to feel the Independence Day spirit is at the open-air events at the Jerusalem Theater.
In the evening, iconic Israeli musician, Miki Gavrielov, and popular musicians Hemi Rodner, Yirmi Kaplan and Tamar Eisenman perform together from 9:00 p.m. Unwind under the stars on blankets, pillows and chairs, and taste the best of Israeli culture and music, some from the arguably greatest Israeli music album of all time, Gavrielov’s
At Avigdor's on the Grass.
The following afternoon, the high-impact drumming group, Tararam, will give an electric interactive performance on the central stage with explanations of the underlying themes by a moderator. Children will also love the interactive graffiti workshop and the opportunity to color a 10 meter wall, as well as colorful street theater organized by the Train Theater.
Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (NIS 25); Thursday, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (NIS 15)20 Marcus Street, Talbiyeh(02) 560-5755
2. Independence Day BashAlrov Boulevard opposite the Old City Walls is the place to be for students and those in the mood to party this Independence Day. Well-known club, HaTza’atzua (Toy Bar) together with the students of David Yellin College, Hadassah College and the Bezalel Academy of Music have organized a massive party featuring DJs of Toy Bar fame such as Itzik Daddia, Shachar Ud and Shai Daniel who will play current big hits and Israeli dance music. The evening kicks off at 10 p.m. and will go on until sunrise and promises to be a huge social scene.
Wednesday from 10 p.m.Mamilla Alrov Boulevard (walk up the stairs toward the Old City from the Mamilla Avenue shopping strip and follow the noise)(073) 707-36173. Ginot Ha’irThe Beit Yehudit Center (ICCY) on Emek Refaim is holding a musical outdoor event in honor of Independence Day. The evening kicks off at 8:15 p.m. with a festive musical prayer service, and continues at 10:30 p.m. with a Hebrew party that includes a traditional sing-along to favorite Israeli tunes and lots of beer. The prayer service is free, and proceeds from the Hebrew Party go to charity.
Wednesday, 8:15 p.m. (free) and 10:30 p.m. (NIS 30)Beit Yehudit, 12 Emek Refaim Street, German Colony(02) 566-41444. Back to the Future III at Yellow SubmarineAs one of Jerusalem’s premier live music venues, the Yellow Submarine is not the usual place the whole family would head to in the afternoon. However, the Yellow Submarine has gone out of their way to ensure that entertainment will be provided for all, with arts and crafts for kids, musical activities and even a traditional barbecue on the porch. Shira Z. Carmel will perform Israeli music hits from the 1950’s and 1960’s; Hatapuzim from the 1970’s and 1980’s and Nitzan Bernstein from more recent years. DJ, Hasid Abadi will play catchy music between performances.
Thursday from noon (NIS 10)13 Harechavim Street, Talpiot(02) 679-40405. Bubizemer Ensemble at Tower of David Join the hip Bubizemer Ensemble as they celebrate Independence Day in the Tower of David’s courtyard surrounded by the magnificent ancient walls of the Citadel. Musicians, Arbel Fischler and Miron Eger will play a variety of instruments and get the audience singing along in the late afternoon sun to their all-time favorite Israeli songs. Bubizemer are known for transforming the traditional Israeli sing-along into a very cool and interactive affair, with audience members often taking to the stage.
Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (NIS 20)Tower of David, Jaffa Gate, Old CityTelephone: * 2884iTravelJerusalem.com is a new online international travel portal
offering all the latest information on things to do, places to eat and places to
stay in Jerusalem.