Jerusalem will kick off the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary to its unification on May 2007. The events will include a wide array of celebrations and activities which will run for a whole year, until the 41st anniversary.
Following a resolution of the Ministerial Committee on Symbols and Ceremonies has decided on January 3rd 2006 and the government of Israel on January 19th 2006, the 40th anniversary to the reunification of Jerusalem will be marked in an official state manner and will celebrated for a whole year. The start of the celebrations will be marked in special assemblies of the government and the Knesset on May 13th and 14th, 2007.
In addition, the government of Israel has decided on December 27th, 2006 that the 59th Independence Day will be celebrated under the heading of "40 Years to the Reunification of Jerusalem, the Capital of Israel and the Capital of the Jewish people".
The various events and activities will be held in Jerusalem, Israel and around the world and will be integrated into the different education, culture, sports and tourism programs of all the populations and groups supporting Jerusalem in Israel and abroad.
Recently a special logo was selected that will appear on a special medal and postage stamp, as well as on all official publications for the 40th anniversary events.
Highlight Events
A concert of the Israeli Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Zubin Mehta – to celebrate the 75h birthday of Edmund Safra, Lilly Safra has donated this special concert which will take place on July 26th 2007 at Safra Square and will also be carried live on huge screens placed in TZahal Square, The Russian Compund and Jaffa st.
For Thee Jerusalem – The opening show for "Israeli Song Week" will take place on May 15th, 2007 at Sacher Park, with the best of the Israeli music scene performing a salute to Jerusalem.
Free on Forty - Ten days of free admission to various arts and culture institutes in Jerusalem, produced by The Jerusalem Foundation.
Unveiling of El-Al's "Jerusalem airplane under the banner "40th anniversary to the unification of Jerusalem" – In addition, various publications and films about Jerusalem will be displayed on El-Al's planes and in its lounges throughout the year.
Inauguration of the "Strings Bridge" – The bridge, which will change Jerusalem's skyline and was designed by renowned Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava will be inaugurated this year.
Multimedia Tours of Jerusalem – on this special occasion, a new and unique project was launched – audio guided tours of 80 sites around the city. The audio files can be downloaded from Jerusalem's website.
Phe-no-me-non – Jerusalem Festival of Creativity – the festival will highlight the creative cultural work done around the city.
Other highlights include:
- A dedicated website
- International Jazz Festival – at the Yellow Submarine.
- The Israel Festival – under the heading of the 40th anniversary.
- The Jerusalem Film Festival – under the heading of the 40th anniversary.
- International Puppet Theater Festival
- Food Festival
- Beer Festival
- 40th Anniversary of The Jerusalem Foundation
- Leaders of the Israeli Economy Salute Jerusalem
- Regional Davos Conference of Business
- The Jerusalem Business Conference
Events around the world will include:
The Israeli Film Festival in New York
A special "Unity with Jerusalem" show in Melbourne, Australia
A "Parade for Jerusalem" and a show in New York
Special shows in Prague, Buenos-Aires, Panama, Moscow and Berlin
A "Jerusalem Party" for the participants of the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki, Finland