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Israeli court limits Jerusalem Day celebrations over coronavirus

The High Court court ordered that the traditional — and provocative — Jerusalem Day Flag March be replaced with a human chain and a smaller celebration by the Western Wall.
Israelis hold national flags and walk on the walls surrounding Jerusalem's Old City while celebrating "Jerusalem Day" as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prevention restrictions ease May 21, 2020. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC24TG9W90G1

On the evening of March 21, Israelis created a human chain around parts of Jerusalem’s Old City in an event that replaced the traditional annual Flag March for Jerusalem Day, which celebrates the 1967 unification of the city after the Six-Day War. Coronavirus restrictions also meant that a smaller-than-usual celebration was later held by the Western Wall.

The Flag March — or Flag Dance — is a particularly sensitive event politically. Not only does it celebrate Israel’s sovereignty over both East and West Jerusalem, the march also crosses the Old City through the Muslim Quarter on the way to the Western Wall.

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