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News Jerusalem

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Jerusalem Film Fund Diverts 30% of Budget to Document October 7th and Its Aftermath

The board of the Jerusalem Film Fund, a major public funder of Israeli cinema, approved a controversial emergency measure allocating 30% of its 2024-25 budget exclusively to documentary projects related to the October 7th attacks, the ongoing war, and their national trauma. The decision has sparked debate within the film community, with some praising its historical necessity and others worrying it will stifle artistic diversity.

Top News: Bank of Israel Slashes Interest Rates Amid Ceasefire

On January 5, the Bank of Israel made a bold move by lowering interest rates for the second consecutive time to 4%. Bank Governor Amir Yaron cited a stronger shekel and a "faster than expected" economic recovery following the recent ceasefire agreements as the primary drivers for the cut.

Economics: Major Tax Overhaul for New Immigrants (Olim)

Effective January 1, a landmark change in tax policy has taken effect. While new immigrants still enjoy a 10-year tax holiday on foreign income, they are no longer exempt from reporting those assets. This shift toward transparency requires detailed disclosure of foreign bank accounts and real estate to the Israel Tax Authority.

The Arts: "Winter Dreams II" Lights Up Botanical Gardens

The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens is currently hosting the "Winter Dreams II" festival. This immersive light experience, featuring over 2 million LED lights and 22 giant sculptures across a 1.5-kilometer trail, is drawing thousands of visitors to Givat Ram through the end of January.

Fashion: Dorin Frankfurt Retrospective Opens

Celebrateddesigner Dorin Frankfurt launched a major exhibition this week exploring five decades of Israeli fashion. The showcase highlights her "stubborn refusal to look away from the local sun," featuring garments made from recycled cloth diapers and kitchen towels—a nod to Israel’s early "handiwork" economy.

Labor Demand Surges by 213%

While the tech sector has seen a cooling trend, the Jerusalem job market is experiencing a massive spike in manual labor demand. Recent figures show vacancies for housing builders and masons have jumped by over 213% as the city ramps up urban renewal and housing projects post-conflict.

Real Estate: Jerusalem Remains "Separate Universe"

Unlike the softening prices in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem’s real estate market remains resilient. Real estate reports from January 3 indicate a 6.9% rise in prices, driven by high demand from foreign investors and a chronic shortage of luxury housing in sought-after neighborhoods.

Electric Vehicle Purchase Tax Hike Hits

As of January 1, the purchase tax on electric vehicles in Israel rose from 45% to 48% (a compromise from the originally planned 52%). Additionally, the maximum tax benefit has "shrunk" by NIS 8,000, making entry-level EVs significantly more expensive for Jerusalem commuters.

Public Health: Red Seaweed Skincare Innovation

A Jerusalem-linked biotech collaboration, Sealaria, announced on January 5 the expansion of its red seaweed-based skincare line. Using sustainable seaweed grown in ecological pools, the company is launching new medical-grade restorative gels for wound healing and skin disorders.

Crime & Safety: National Scourge of Violence Continues

President Isaac Herzog addressed the nation on January 5 following a series of gangland shootings that claimed seven lives in the first five days of 2026. The president called the rise in violent crime a "national scourge," particularly affecting the Arab Israeli community.

A Salute to Young Soloists (Symphony) – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Jan 6

Dance with Me (Play) – Habima Theatre at Jerusalem Theatre, Jan 6

The Three Tenors: Epiphany Concert (Opera) – Local Venues, Jan 6

Because by Kolben Dance Company (Modern Dance) – Jerusalem Theatre, Jan 7

Melancholy Song: Nathan Yonatan Evening (Orchestral) – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Jan 8

Daniel Styopin (Stand-up Comedy) – Jerusalem Theatre, Jan 8Ballet’s Wonderland (Children/Music) – "Classics and Fables" Series, Jan 9

The Song of the Earth (Mahler) (Symphony) – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Jan 14–15

Quintets by Prokofiev and Brahms (Chamber Music) – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Jan 20

Beitar Jerusalem vs. Maccabi Haifa (Premier League Soccer) – Teddy Stadium, Jan (Check local listings)

Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) State Ceremony

When: Sunday, May 5 (Evening) - Monday, May 6 (Day)

Where: Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl

What: The national opening ceremony at Yad Vashem, with the central theme this year being the voices of survivors. A siren will sound nationwide at 10:00 AM on Monday.

Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra - "Beethoven's Emperor"

When: Thursday, May 9 & Friday, May 10

Where: Henry Crown Symphony Hall, Jerusalem Theatre

What: The JSO, under the baton of Frédéric Chaslin, performs Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Emperor") with soloist Boris Giltburg, alongside works by Ravel.

Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball - Winner League Playoffs

When: Monday, May 6 (Potential Home Game)

Where: Pais Arena, Jerusalem

What: The city's premier basketball team competes in the Israeli Winner League playoffs. Dates and opponents depend on the ongoing playoff bracket.

Theater: "The Last Band on Earth" - Israel Festival Preview

When: May 8-11

Where: Beit Mazia Theatre

What: An acclaimed dystopian musical drama about the last band trying to play music after a global catastrophe. A powerful and timely production.

Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) Central Ceremony

When: Sunday, May 12 (Evening) - Monday, May 13 (Day)

Where: Western Wall (Kotel) & Mount Herzl

What: The solemn national ceremony at the Western Wall marks the of Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. A siren will sound at 11:00 AM on Monday.

Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) Celebrations

When: Monday, May 13 (Evening)

Where: Mount Herzl & across the city

What: The official state ceremony on Mount Herzl transitions from Memorial Day to Independence Day. This will be followed by local street festivals, public singing ("Singing in the Squares"), and fireworks, though likely subdued this year.

"Sound Portraits" Exhibition Opening at the Israel Museum

When: Opens Wednesday, May 15

Where: The Israel Museum

What: A new sound art exhibition featuring works by Israeli and international artists who use audio to explore identity, memory, and place—a poignant theme for the current moment.

Cinematheque Jerusalem: "Jerusalem in Film" Festival

When: May 16-22

Where: Jerusalem Cinematheque

What: A curated week of classic and contemporary films that use Jerusalem as a central character or backdrop, exploring the city's many narratives and mythologies.

"Sipur Pashut" (A Simple Story) Festival at the Train Theater

When: May 14-16 (For families with young children)

Where: The Train Theater, Liberty Bell Park

What: A charming festival of storytelling and puppet theater for young children, focusing on gentle, hopeful narratives designed to provide a creative respite.

Spanish Consul General Summoned After Madrid's Mayor Appears at pro-Palestinian Rally with "From the River to the Sea" Banner

Israel's Foreign Ministry summoned the Spanish Consul General in Jerusalem for a formal reprimand after the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, was photographed at a large pro-Palestinian rally in Spain standing in front of a banner with the phrase "From the River to the Sea," which Israel defines as a call for its destruction. The diplomatic protest highlighted Jerusalem's role as a focal point of international political friction.

Archaeology: "Pilgrimage Road" Excavation Uncovers Rare First Temple-Era Scarab Seal

The Israel Antiquities Authority announced that archaeologists working at the City of David's "Pilgrimage Road" site have discovered a rare, intact scarab seal made of carnelian stone, dating to the First Temple period (8th-7th centuries BCE). The artifact, depicting a winged griffin, is believed to have belonged to a high-ranking official and offers new insight into Jerusalem's international trade and artistic influences during that era.

Social Services: Municipal Hotline for Civilian Anxiety and Trauma Sees 300% Call Increase

Jerusalem's Municipal Social Services Department reported a 300% increase in calls to its emergency mental health and anxiety hotline over the past month. The surge is attributed to the cumulative stress of the ongoing war, constant security tensions in the city, and the upcoming emotionally charged national memorial days (Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron). The city is scrambling to train more volunteers to man the lines.

Business: "Mahane Yehuda Market" Reports 40% Drop in Tourist-Revenue Businesses

The Merchants' Association of Mahane Yehuda Market presented data showing that businesses primarily catering to tourists—such as specialty food stalls, boutique wineries, and souvenir shops—have seen revenues drop by an average of 40% compared to last spring. In contrast, vendors selling basic groceries and produce report stable or increased sales, reflecting the market's shift from a tourist attraction to a local necessity.

Technology: Jerusalem-Based up "SeeTrue" Raises $20M for AI Airport Security, Amid Global Demand

SeeTrue, a Jerusalem-based up that uses artificial intelligence to analyze X-ray images for airport security, closed a $20 million Series B funding round. Investors cited a massive global surge in demand for automated, high-accuracy security screening technology in the wake of increased terror threats worldwide. The company plans to double its R&D team in Jerusalem.

Religion: Armenian Patriarchate Files Urgent Injunction to Halt Israeli Company's Land Deal in Old City

The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem filed an urgent injunction with the Jerusalem District Court seeking to halt a controversial real estate deal in which part of the Patriarchate's historic quarter in the Old City was allegedly sold to a secretive Israeli-Australian real estate firm. The church claims the deal, signed by a former official now under investigation, was fraudulent and threatens the integrity of the ancient Armenian compound.

Environment: Unprecedented Spring Heatwave Strains Jerusalem's Water Supply, Triggers Conservation Plea

The Jerusalem Municipality and Mekorot (the national water company) issued a joint public plea for immediate water conservation as an early, intense heatwave pushed temperatures over 35°C (95°F). Reservoir levels are lower than average for May, and the spike in demand for gardening and cooling is straining the system, prompting fears of shortages if the dry pattern continues into summer.

Top News: Escalation at Al-Aqsa Compound

On January 5, the Jerusalem Governorate reported that approximately 80 settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police protection to perform rituals. This follows a month of December that saw 27 such incursions, contributing to a heightened state of tension in the Old City as 2026 begins.

Economics: Shift for Global Wealth

The "privacy" era for new residents ended on January 1. Under a new tax reporting framework, new immigrants (Olim) must now disclose all global assets—including bank account numbers and investment values—to the Israel Tax Authority. While their foreign income remains tax-exempt for 10 years, the loss of reporting anonymity marks a significant shift in Israel's economic policy.

The Arts: "Israeli Newspapers" Art Exhibit

A unique exhibition at the Art Assembled showcase debuted this week featuring the work of Toshio Sekiji. The artist uses lacquered strips of Israeli newspapers to create woven collages that serve as a "plea for intergroup harmony," a poignant message given the current regional climate.

Fashion: Yaron Minkowski Celebrates 40 Years

Israeli "Fashion King" Yaron Minkowski launched his Spring-Summer 2026 collection in Jerusalem this week. The show marks four decades of his influence on Israeli style, blending high-end couture with the "passion for fabrics" that defined his early career.

Average Wage Rises 4.6% in the Capital

New estimates from the Central Bureau of Statistics released in the first week of January show the average Israeli wage has climbed to NIS 13,587 (approx. $3,700). In Jerusalem, the growth is particularly visible in the defense and technology sectors, which saw record highs in stock performance.

Jerusalem Breaks Building Permit Record The Jerusalem Municipality announced on January 4 that 2025 was a record-breaking year, with permits issued for approximately 8,500 new apartments. This surge in planning is aimed at cooling a market where prices in prime neighborhoods like Rehavia and Talbiya rose nearly 15% over the last year.

"Luxury Tax" on Vehicles Made Permanent Accompanying the EV tax hike, the Ministry of Finance proposed on January 5 to make the "luxury tax" on cars costing over NIS 300,000 a permanent fixture. This targets high-end imports, which have remained popular in Jerusalem's wealthier districts despite the broader economic cooling.

Red Seaweed Biotech Breakthrough

Jerusalem-based biotech Sealaria announced on January 5 that it has successfully integrated its "red seaweed" restorative gel into a new line of medical-grade skincare. The product uses a unique cellular extraction method to treat wound healing, a technology developed in collaboration with local marine scientists.

Elbit Systems Opens 2026 at Record High

Major Jerusalem-based defense contractor Elbit Systems saw its stock hit a record high on the first trading day of the year. The company’s 124% growth in 2025 has turned it into a primary engine for the local economy, buoyed by increased defense budgets globally.