Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) 2021

Yom Yerushalayim 2021 / יוֹם יְרוּשָׁלַיִם 5781

Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) for Hebrew Year 5781 begins at sundown on  and ends at nightfall on .

Jerusalem Day (Hebrew: יום ירושלים‎, Yom Yerushalayim) is an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War. The day is officially marked by state ceremonies and memorial services.

Also known as Jerusalem Reunification Day, this officially recognised national holiday is celebrated on the 28th of Iyar in the Jewish calendar, which means it is celebrated close to Independence Day.

History of Jerusalem Day

Following the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, it had been agreed that Jerusalem would be an international city for ten years, after which time the residents could vote for what country they wanted to join. However, Israel was attacked by Jordan in May 1948 resulting in parts of Jerusalem being under Israeli control and parts under Jordanian rule.

On June 6th 1967, the Six-day war began. On June 7th (28th of Iyar), the Jordanian controlled part of Jerusalem was taken by Israeli forces. The war ended with a cease-fire on June 11th 1967.

In May 1968, The 28th of Iyar was proclaimed as a holiday to mark the unification of Jerusalem.

In 1998, the Israeli government passed the Jerusalem Day Law, making this day a national holiday.

Note: Like other Jewish holidays, Yom Yerushalayim will begin at sundown on the previous day.

Psalms 122:3-5 CJB

3 Yerushalayim, built as a city
fostering friendship and unity.

4 The tribes have gone up there, the tribes of Adonai,
as a witness to Isra’el,
to give thanks to the name of Adonai.
5 For there the thrones of justice were set up,
the thrones of the house of David.