In a city often defined by division, conflict, and tension, a simple initiative is quietly reshaping how Jerusalem’s families spend their summer: pitching tents, turning off screens, and rediscovering each other in the open air
A night of unity in a fragmented Jerusalem
This August, public parks across Jerusalem are hosting overnight camping events for local families. Known as “Camping in the Garden,” the project invites residents to set up tents just outside their homes – in familiar neighborhood parks – and enjoy a full night of community-based activities: storytelling, children’s workshops, music performances, movie screenings under the stars, and even guided stargazing sessions
The initiative, led by the Youth Authority of the Jerusalem Municipality, is part of a broader vision: to create shared civic space in a city marked by difference. From Gonenim and Armon Hanatziv to Givat Mordechai and the French Hill, families from different backgrounds – secular and religious, old and new immigrants, Jewish and Arab – spend one night together in quiet solidarity
(Cultural Rift Exposed: Jerusalem vs. Israel’s Center)
Participation is open to families with children, and requires advance registration and a modest fee. Families bring their own tents, sleeping gear, flashlights and drinks – everything else is provided on site
As Mayor Moshe Lion puts it
“‘Camping in the Garden’ isn’t just about tents and songs. It’s about rediscovering the people around us – seeing that Jerusalem is full of good neighbors who want to connect. That’s the community I’m proud to lead
For more about this civic initiative, visit the official website of the Jerusalem Municipality
https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/he/experience/events/camping/?display=gallery
