Jerusalem Day marked with march to old walled city

The Jerusalem Post ^ | 29 May 2003 | ETGAR LEFKOVITS

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May. 29, 2003
Jerusalem Day marked with march to old walled city
By ETGAR LEFKOVITS

Thousands were expected to turn out for a traditional flag-waving Jerusalem Day march on Thursday from a park downtown through the old walled city, to the Western Wall.

The parade was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time.

Later on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to address a gathering at the site of the worst battle of the Six-Day War, on Ammunition Hill, where 38 soldiers died capturing the area from the Jordanian army, and dozens more were wounded.

Jerusalem Day marks the 36th anniversary of the war, and the city's reunification with the capture of the eastern zone.

Tens of thousands thronged the streets of Jerusalem Wednesday evening as the city kicked off celebrations with a "Salute to Jerusalem" parade.

The rally, with floats from farming communities across the country, opened with the release of 20 doves.

In keeping with the tradition of bringing the first fruits to the Temple, agriculture communities across the country brought 80 tons of produce, which was to be distributed to the city's poor.

As the parade passed the city hall, a teenage dance troupe performed on a makeshift stage, where the VIPs, including Sharon, were seated.

In honor of the holiday, the Central Bureau of Statistics noted that Jerusalem is the country's largest city, with more than 680,000 residents one out of three an Arab. It said Jerusalem is also home to 55,000 people who immigrated since 1990.

[Thinkin' Gal]

A bittersweet reunification celebration... after all, the PM wants to carve up the land. Next year, the Palis may convert it to Al Quds Day.

[Alouette]

through the old walled city, to the Western Wall.

How much longer will this continue before the Old City and the Western Wall are verboten to Jews, G-D forbid?