As the 2025–2026 academic year begins, Jerusalem presents itself as the center of Israel’s student galaxy. The Jerusalem Municipality, in partnership with the city’s leading academic institutions – including the Hebrew University, Bezalel Academy, Hadassah, and Lifshitz College – is rolling out a six-week citywide program featuring over 80 events across neighborhoods such as the city center, Katamon, Beit Hakerem, Gilo, Nahlaot, and Kiryat Yovel.
A Citywide Celebration of Culture and Community
The highlights include surprise pop-up concerts, the International Exposure Festival at the Jerusalem Arts Campus featuring emerging creators, and three opening parties across the city – each with a different musical style. Another key event, “Einstein in the City,” will take place downtown and combine short lectures, live music, and a youthful Jerusalem vibe in local cafés and bars.
From Lectures to Neighborhood Tours
Beyond culture and nightlife, dozens of professional workshops will be offered on career development, entrepreneurship, technology, and budgeting, along with hands-on experiences such as flower arranging, cooking, and creative art. A special series of city tours will run from the Old City to local neighborhoods – including food tours, night walks, and community visits – helping students experience Jerusalem from a new perspective.
Dedicated Days for Religious and Ultra-Orthodox Students
The city will also host student days for the religious and ultra-Orthodox communities, featuring artists such as Shuli Rand, Yonatan Razel, Michal Levitin, and Noam Unger. At the same time, registration opens for Jerusalem’s municipal scholarship fund – the largest in Israel – offering two main tracks: Asalim (up to ₪10,000 for 140 hours of community work) and Student Villages (₪4,000 for social engagement and neighborhood involvement).
Jerusalem as Israel’s Academic Capital
Mayor Moshe Lion stated: “Welcome to the new academic year in Jerusalem. We invest significant resources to make student life here an experience of learning, culture, and community. This year, we’ll continue strengthening the bond between students and the city, so they choose not only to study here – but to stay and build their future here.”
The Jerusalem Young Adults Authority invites all students to join the celebrations, rediscover the city, and enjoy the unique academic life in Jerusalem – the true center of the galaxy.
