TEDDY KOLLEK is widely acclaimed as the “Great Builder” of modern Jerusalem. Teddy was born and raised in Vienna and immigrated to Israel in 1935. He was co-founder of Kibbutz Ein Gev and worked under David Ben-Gurion at the Jewish Agency during the 1940’s.
During World War II, Teddy served as a liaison between the Haganah and Allied intelligence agencies, assisting Jewish underground organizations in occupied Europe. He headed the Haganah’s clandestine operation in the U.S. and the first Israel Defense Mission. While serving as an envoy to the U.S. he headed the first fundraising campaign of the Israel Bonds.
In 1952, Teddy was appointed Director General of the Prime Minisiter’s Office and served in this capacity for 12 years. He developed a keen awareness of the complexities of life in Jerusalem during this time and, toward the end of his tenure, he founded the Israel Museum and became chairman of its Board of Directors.
Teddy Kollek was elected mayor of Jerusalem in 1963 – a post he held for five additional terms. His 28-year tenure reflected a combination of far-reaching activism and great vision. He showed deep concern for the welfare of all religious and ethnic communities in the city, and was dedicated to assisting residents of the weaker neighborhoods. Confronted with the staggering challenges, Teddy spearheaded the creation of new neighborhoods, the beautification of the city, the promotion of better relations between residents, and the strengthening of Jerusalem’s status as capital of Israel.
The Jerusalem Foundation, which was established by Teddy in 1966, served over the years as the primary instrument for molding and developing the city. The realization of everything Teddy believed in, The Jerusalem Foundation has over the past 45 years become the focal point of efforts to meet the ever-changing needs of Jerusalem.
SYLVIA HASSENFELD is a very prominent and special humanitarian, as well as a longtime supporter of The Jerusalem Foundation. She is one of the most significant American Jewish Communal leaders and philanthropists of our time. Her activities have been focused in public service involving endangered Jewish populations around the world and services to children in need. The Hassenfeld family has supported many projects that have changed the lives of children, senior citizens and many others throughout the world and in Jerusalem.
JAMES SNYDER is the Director of the Israel Museum since 1997. Teddy Kollek was the driving spirit behind the establishment of the Israel Museum which was founded in 1965. Mr. Snyder just recently oversaw a $100 million campaign to renovate the museum and double the gallery space. The renewed museum opened on July 26, 2010. Covering nearly 50,000 sq. meters, it attracts 800,000 visitors a year including 100,000 children. He is also the former Deputy Director of the Museum of Modern Art in
New York.
THE JERUSALEM FOUNDATION was founded in 1966 by legendary Mayor Teddy Kollek. The foundation has supported over 4,000 projects creating a better quality of life for all residents. The Jerusalem Foundation links the international community to the city and together we strive to make Jerusalem an inspiring capital, modern center and global city.
JERUSALEM SEASON OF CULTURE began as an initiative of the Schusterman Foundation-Israel in cooperation with the Municipality of Jerusalem and the Jerusalem Foundation. JSOC is committed to cultural openness that makes room for all and to supporting creative endeavors in every sector of the city. This was JSOC’s first year featuring a wide variety of cultural events taking place throughout the summer which brought a new life to Jerusalem. Some of the programs featured: Renee Flemming with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Under the Mountain, Contact Point and Balabasta.
