This year, something special is happening. Memorial Day—an American day of gratitude, reflection, and backyard BBQs—lands on the very same day as Yom Yerushalayim, a celebration of the miraculous reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. Two holidays, two cultures, one day. What better reason to honor the past, celebrate freedom, and come together around the table?
Here’s how we’re making this rare mash-up meaningful and delicious—with recipes, traditions, and heartfelt family moments that honor both sides of the sea.
Jerusalem Meets Memorial Day BBQ
Let’s talk food—because nothing brings people together like a good meal. This isn’t just about grilling—it’s about connection. Each dish here tells a story of home, heart, and heritage. We’re blending flavors from Jerusalem’s shuks and American cookouts into a menu that celebrates both holidays—because food is memory, and every bite matters.
Starters & Sides
This is not your average guac. The papaya brings a sweetness that reminds me of my first trip to the shuk in Jerusalem, when fruit vendors were shouting out prices like it was a Broadway show. It’s tropical, fresh, and a perfect start to a festive, sun-soaked day.
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Inspired by the iconic Israeli breakfast—smoked fish, spicy horseradish, fresh veggies—this dish is cool, elegant, and perfect for outdoor gatherings. It’s a nod to Jerusalem mornings and a beautiful way to elevate your picnic table.
Baby Spinach & Portobello Mushroom Salad
This salad brings together earthy, meaty mushrooms and tender greens in a way that feels both comforting and sophisticated. I love serving this when I want to offer something hearty but still light—it’s a perfect bridge between old-world tradition and modern freshness.
Grilled Mains
Za’atar is the flavor of Israel to me—fragrant, wild, deeply rooted. This grilled chicken is simple yet so special, bursting with herbaceous, smoky flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feeds a crowd and stirs the soul.
Israeli Burgers with Fattoush Salad
Juicy burgers meet crunchy, citrusy fattoush—this is Tel Aviv street food and backyard BBQ in one bite. It’s casual, it’s colorful, and it’s just plain fun. My kids love building their own plates with these!
Grilled Fish Kabobs with Tahini
This one brings me straight to a seaside café in Jaffa. The fish is light and flaky, the tahini is nutty and creamy—and together they feel like Shabbat on the grill. It’s a beautiful main for anyone looking for something elegant but effortless.
Sweet Ending
Viral Date Bark with a Tahini Twist
This one has been making the rounds—and for good reason. It’s chewy, chocolatey, and perfectly nutty thanks to the tahini (my pantry staple!). It reminds me of halva meets peanut butter cups—with way less guilt. Make a tray, break it up, and watch it disappear.
Frozen Lemon Meringue Pie (Dairy-Free!)
Bright, tangy lemon custard with a cloud of toasted meringue—all frozen for a super refreshing finish. This is one of those “wow” desserts that looks and tastes like you spent hours, but it’s surprisingly simple. Ideal for a warm Jerusalem-meets-Memorial-Day afternoon.
Rich, fudgy, and packed with that unmistakable halva magic, these brownies are like Israel in brownie form. The tahini swirl adds depth and a nutty balance to the dark chocolate. I love how this dessert brings something unexpected but totally comforting to the BBQ table.
A Taste of Jerusalem
No celebration of Yom Yerushalayim is complete without a few iconic dishes straight from the heart of the Holy City. These recipes bring me back to my first visits to the Old City—where the scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, and Shabbat stews and kugels bubble behind stone walls. Add one or two to your BBQ table for a soulful tribute to the city that ties us all together.
Jerusalem Bagel with Za’atar and Olive Oil Dipping Sauce
That giant, sesame-coated oval of bread—the Jerusalem bagel—is street food perfection. Serve it as an appetizer, sliced into strips with dips, or alongside your grilled mains for that unmistakable taste of the city. (Feel free to grab one fresh from your favorite bakery or make your own!)
Jerusalem Kugel (Yerushalmi Kugel)
Sweet, spicy, and totally unexpected—this kugel is a Shabbat staple in Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods and has become one of our family’s favorites. The caramelized noodles and bold black pepper create a flavor you won’t forget. I love serving this in small squares at room temperature alongside grilled chicken or burgers. It brings depth, tradition, and a whole lot of soul to any table.
This creamy Turkish-style rice pudding reminds me of the Jerusalem melting pot—the way Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Middle Eastern flavors all live together in harmony. It’s dairy-free, comforting, and delicately flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. Serve it chilled in little cups for an elegant, parve dessert that bridges old and new beautifully.
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