Despite Boycott, Israelis Celebrate
By Tzippe Barrow
CBN News - Jerusalem Bureau
May 13, 2007
CBNNews.com - JERUSALEM, Israel - As Israelis gear up for a festive week marking the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, they will not be joined by representatives of the European Union (EU).
In a letter to the Foreign Ministry and the Knesset (parliament), the EU president (Germany) said ambassadors of members nations would not attend the special Knesset session Wednesday marking Jerusalem Day.
U.S. ambassador to Israel Richard Jones, who is out of the country, likewise will not participate in the Knesset's Jerusalem Day ceremony Monday.
The controversy centers on the Palestinian Authority's plan to make the eastern half of Jerusalem the capital of their future state.
Despite the boycott by the EU and U.S., weeklong celebrations kicked off today with a special Cabinet meeting held at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.
Monday, about 1,000 people representing a cross-section of Israeli society, from mayors to academics, industrialists, leaders of youth movements and other public figures, will convene the Israeli Zionist Congress.
Tuesday evening, some 10,000 people will participate in the Worker's Settlement March. Dressed in identical shirts with the 40-year anniversary emblem, the parade includes 40 dancing groups, acrobats, floats and more.
This year, Yom Yerushalyim (Jerusalem Day), falls on Wednesday, May 16 (28 Iyar on the Hebrew calendar). City streets will be closed for the traditional dancing flags march from downtown Jerusalem to the Western Wall.
Wednesday night, Israelis will enjoy an evening of music and dance at Sultan's pool, including an appearance by members of the Paratroopers Brigade that liberated the Old City in 1967.
Thursday features a rally at Teddy Stadium with 20,000 students and soldiers, youth choirs, dance groups, and performing army troops.
While the boycott by the European Union and the United States is disappointing, marking the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Israel's capital is ample reason for its citizens to rejoice.
Sources: YNet, The Jerusalem Post
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