Thousands of citizens have signed up for the Knesset’s “open house” events Wednesday, which will mark the parliament’s 63rd birthday.
The Knesset has had to close registration for the day’s events after being overwhelmed by thousands of applications in the past few weeks. The Knesset asks that those who registered in advance show up an hour early, to make security checks possible. People who have not yet registered will have to wait until the next open house day.
The open house will start at 8:45 and continue until 4:00 p.m. About 50 MKs, including Speaker Reuven Rivlin, will take part in special activities geared at the visitors.
Speaker Rivlin will talk to school children about the Tal Law and hareidi enlistment to the IDF. Other MKs will give workshops on different subjects, not just political ones. MKs from left and right will hold open debates on political issues and encourage visiting youths to participate as well.
Some MKs will treat the very young visitors to a story hour and, dog trainers will cooperate with the Knesset Guard’s dogs to give a show in the plaza at the entrance to the Knesset building. Another performance will have actors portraying great Israeli figures, and gifts the Knesset has received over the years will be placed on exhibit.