Government ministers, municipal leaders, and thousands of people took part Wednesday in a festive march in honor of the City of Jerusalem. Tens of thousands of residents and thousands of youth movement members and students took part in the march, called "Farming Settlements Salute Jerusalem".
The opening event, which was attended by Noam Shalit, father of captured soldier Gilad Shalit, called for the return of the his son, held by Hamas without Red Cross or other visits, and all other Israeli POWs.
All in all, approximately 50,000 marchers came from 53 regional councils, as well as antique tractors, music bands, and dancing troupes.
The march is a yearly event planned well in advance, but because of a groundswell of national unity and pride as a result of Israel's defensive actions against Monday's Gaza bound flotilla, the event also became a solidarity rally. Participants carried Israeli flags, with some holding posters saying "We are all Shayetet 13," a reference to the special navy commando forces unit that took on the flotilla.
Festivities in honor of the city of Jerusalem and her residents were kicked off with the releasing of balloons and birds in Jerusalem's Independence Park by the Kabri school, where Gilad Shalit attended classes.
Education Minister Gideon Saar, Agriculture Minister Shalom Simchon, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and other distinguished guests were in attendance. 
The event is a joint initiative of the Center for Regional Councils and the Jerusalem Municipality, the Agriculture Union, the Bnei Akiva Youth movement, and the youth movements of agricultural towns.
Free tours throughout Jerusalem were held in the morning for 250 groups from the various regions.
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