Jerusalem illuminates iconic landmarks in first major tourist project for 2021 for post-Covid travellers

From 21 February-3 March, Jerusalem will bring back the light to the capital with a breath-taking and exciting project entitled Jerusalem – Follow the Lights. Dozens of iconic landmarks will be illuminated and transformed into work of arts, offering new perspectives never seen before and an interactive experience for people around the world.

The project – available in a virtual format as well – restores light into these difficult COVID times, after months at home, in isolation and lockdowns.

Jerusalem is preparing to welcome back tourists once again in a healthy and safe manner. As a first post-Covid step for the tourism field in Jerusalem, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Development Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism are planning this large event, focusing on health and safety.

Jerusalem fans and would-be tourists will be offered the opportunity to enjoy light, art, resilience, hope and excitement, and feel the atmosphere of one of the most special cities in the world, from the comfort of their homes. They will have the option to enter the Follow the Lights site online, send greetings to their loved ones which will be displayed on the Chords Bridge that will become the biggest LED screen in Jerusalem, and have a chance to create exciting and personalized animations of their family driving through the Holy City.

Together with people from around the world who will enjoy the illuminated sites from their homes, visitors in the city will enjoy a self-driven tour through a brightly and colourfully illuminated Jerusalem from the comfort of their car, while adhering to all public health regulations. They will also have the option to enjoy the city’s culinary scene by ordering dishes from restaurants and enjoy take out while touring Jerusalem.

The list of locations includes world famous sites such as The Israel Museum that will offer a glimpse into its collection and dozens of unique and priceless pieces of art and historical artefacts that will be transformed through digital technology, creating digital art that can be enjoyed in a completely new and exciting way. Other well-known sites are the Tower of David, YMCA and many more, presented in a new light and context.

Live streams of the broadcast from the Israel Museum and the Tower of David will be provided on the Jerusalem Development Authority’s social media on 21 February.

Sharon Bershadsky, director of the Israel Tourist Office in UK, says: “After a long, forced break, COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed at a rapid rate. In doing so, Israel will soon not only be an attractive destination for tourists from Britain and the entire world – but also a healthy one. We are pleased that the country is experiencing an ease of lockdown restrictions with nature reserves, national parks and heritage sites all allowed to reopen. As a result, we are excited to bring some light to people at this difficult time by inviting travel wishers all over the world to join us in watching the lights virtually across the breath-taking city of Jerusalem.”