2026-06-08 06:13:PM <br/> Tags: #Israel #organization ![[image-289.png|485x343]] # Jerusalem Foundation - The Jerusalem Foundation is an Israeli nonprofit established in 1966 by the Mayor of West Jerusalem, [[Teddy Kollek]] for the purpose of promoting the development of the city's "social fabric, cultural life, and future leadership."[^1] - The Jerusalem foundation is based in Jerusalem, Israel, with large independent affiliate branches in Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[^3] - In the United States, the Jerusalem Foundation operates through The Jerusalem Foundation Inc., a New York based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.[^4][^5] #### Background - The Jerusalem Foundation was formed in 1966 by the Jewish mayor of West Jerusalem, [[Teddy Kollek]]. - The Jerusalem foundation's website describes Kollek's founding of the organization as "giving lovers of Jerusalem worldwide a vehicle for becoming involved in the city."[^2] - A 1984 article authored by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Ira Sharansky describes the foundation as Kollek's "private solution for a municipal budget that is too small."[^12] - The Jerusalem Foundation's founding chairman was American Jewish spy and associate of Teddy Kollek, [[Nahum Bernstein]].[^11] #### Activities - The Jerusalem Foundation backs city-wide projects and programs including: - Film screening - Concerts and musical events - Art exhibits - Student tours - Educational initiatives and student programming - Park construction - Sports center construction - The [[Abraham Isaac Kook|Rav Kook]] Museum - Kraft Stadium - Funded by American Jewish billionaire [[Robert Kraft]][^36] - Community centers - Small business/entrepreneur grants - The Jerusalem Foundation has been a major financial backer of the of The City of David archeological site in East Jerusalem.[^31] - The City of David project, managed by the [[Ir David Foundation (Elad)]], has attracted considerable opposition from the Palestinians of East Jerusalem (and their advocates) who have been displaced due to the project.[^30] - The Jerusalem Foundation is a coalitional member of [[Combat Antisemitism Movement]].[^10] - The Jerusalem Foundation has partnered with Israel's land acquisition and development institution the [[Jewish National Fund]] on various public projects.[^32] - In the aftermath of [[October 7th]], the Jerusalem Foundation launched Double Impact, an emergency initiative to increase support for local institutions, relief efforts, and tourism. --- - The Jerusalem Foundation presents the [[Teddy Kollek]] Award "to those who have demonstrated significant contributions to the city of Jerusalem." - Past recipients include: *The award was discontinued in the early 2010s from what is available.* - The [[Azrieli Foundation]] - 2011[^43] #### Funding and Donors - According to its 2025 year-end report, the Jerusalem Foundation received $70,289,957 in donations during the year.[^7] *The foundation's income has grown rapidly in recent years, nearly doubling since 2021 ($36.9 million).* - 43.1% from Israeli donors, 35.2% from American donors, 9.7% from Canadian donors, 6.5% from British donors, and the remainder from other countries. - In 2024 American donors were 46.3% and Israeli donors 35.7%. - In past years, American donors have funded a significant majority of the foundation's revenue. In 2006, American donors accounted for 57% of the total contributions, followed by the UK at 10%, with Israeli donors accounting for only 6%.[^22] - Around $55 million of the foundation's income was allocated to projects. - Of project allocation, 58% went to construction and 42% to programming. - Jerusalem Foundation donors include:[^6][^7][^8][^28][^36][^37][^38][^42][^44][^45][^46][^50][^51][^52][^53] - [[Bill Ackman]][^9] - [[Nir Barkat]] - Barkat served as mayor of Jerusalem from 2008-2018. - [[Azrieli Foundation]] - [[David Azrieli]][^33] - [[Ted Arison]] Family Foundation - [[Crown Family Philanthropies]] - [[Crown Family Foundation]] - [[Nathan Cummings Foundation]] - Various [[Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)|Jewish Federations]] - [[Jim Joseph Foundation]] - Leonard Lauder - [[Ronald Lauder]] - Jack, Joseph, and [[Morton Mandel]] Foundation - Joseph and [[Harvey Meyerhoff]] Family Charitable Funds - [[Adam Milstein]]'s foundation - [[Orthodox Union]] - [[Paul E. Singer Foundation]] - [[Mark Wilf]]'s Foundation - [[Israel Goldstein]] - Legacy endowment - [[Bezeq]] - [[Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation|Schusterman Foundation Israel]] - [[Adelson Family Foundation]] - [[Jan Koum]]'s family foundation - [[Charles Bronfman]] - $32,300 in 2016 via Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies[^13][^15] - [[Edgar Bronfman Sr.]][^16] - [[Matthew Bronfman]][^14] - [[Leon Black]][^17] - [[Harry Weinberg]]'s foundation - [[Martin Peretz]][^18] - [[Samuel Rothberg]][^19] - [[Mortimer Zuckerman]][^20] - [[Goldman Sachs]][^21] - [[Jacob Blaustein]]'s foundation[^25] - [[Bank Hapoalim]] - [[Bank Leumi]] - [[Ralph Goldman]][^26] - [[Marc Rich]][^27] - [[Teva Pharmaceuticals]] - [[News Corp]] Foundation - [[Merryl Tisch]] - [[Les Wexner]][^29] - [[Max Kampelman]][^34] - [[Jewish Agency]] - [[Len Blavatnik]]'s foundation - [[Robert Kraft]] - [[World Zionist Organization]] - [[UJA-Federation of New York]] - [[John M. Shapiro]] - [[Sallai Meridor]] - [[Michael Steinhardt]] - [[Seth Klarman]] - [[Ira Rennert]] - [[Michael Bloomberg]]'s Bloomberg Philanthropies - [[Genesis Prize]] Foundation - [[Jonathon Jacobson]]'s One8 Foundation - [[Keren Hayesod]] - [[Checkpoint Software Technologies]] #### Notable Figures - [[Teddy Kollek]] - Founder - [[Nahum Bernstein]] - Founding chairman of the Jerusalem Foundation - USA.[^11][^37] - Ruth Cheshin - Cheshin was a close associate of Kollek and served as the unofficial, and later official, head of the foundation from its founding in 1966 until 2011. - Cheshin is a former board member of [[Teva Pharmaceuticals]]. Her grandfather Chaim Solomon was a founder of Teva. Her father was CEO of Teva. Teva is a Jerusalem Foundation donor.[^35] - [[Nir Barkat]] - Honorary chairman during his tenure as mayor of Jerusalem from 2008-2018. - Mark Sofer - President of the foundation from 2011-2014. - Shai Doron -President from 2018-2024.[^49] - Arik Grebelsky - President since 2025.[^47][^48] - [[Lester Crown]] - Jerusalem Foundation - USA board member.[^7] - Dan Meridor - International chairman circa 2006.[^22] - Meridor is an Israeli politician and prominent former [[Likud]] party member.[^23] - Meridor's father, Eliyahu, served as an Israeli Knesset member in the 50s and 60s under the right wing [[Herut]] party and its successor [[Gahal]].[^24] *Likud, formed in 1973, is the successor to Gahal.* - Dan is the brother of [[Sallai Meridor]], former chairman of the [[Jewish Agency]] and Israeli ambassador to the United States. - [[Sallai Meridor]] - International chairman circa 2010.[^39] - Leonard A. Wilf - Jerusalem Foundation - USA board member circa 2006.[^22] - Leonard is the cousin of [[Mark Wilf]]. - [[Merryl Tisch]] - Board member circa 2007.[^28] - [[Max Kampelman]] - Jerusalem Foundation - USA honorary chairman circa 2008.[^36] - [[Ralph Goldman]] - Jerusalem Foundation - USA board member circa 2009. - Zvi Agmon - International Chairman circa 2022.[^41] - Agmon served as public spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] until controversial statements led to his resignation in March 2026.[^40] #### References [^1]: Jerusalem Foundation, “The Jerusalem Foundation,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/the-jerusalem-foundation](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/the-jerusalem-foundation). [^2]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Teddy Kollek,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/teddy-kollek/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/teddy-kollek/). [^3]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Worldwide,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/worldwide/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/worldwide/). [^4]: The Jerusalem Foundation, Inc., organization profile, _ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer_, [https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/132563745](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/132563745). [^5]: Jerusalem Foundation, “The Jerusalem Foundation, USA,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/the-jerusalem-foundation-usa](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/the-jerusalem-foundation-usa). [^6]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2024 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANNUAL-REPORT-2024-FINAL.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ANNUAL-REPORT-2024-FINAL.pdf). [^7]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2025 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ANNUAL-REPORT-2025-FINAL-Digital.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ANNUAL-REPORT-2025-FINAL-Digital.pdf). [^8]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2005 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2005.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2005.pdf). [^9]: Jerusalem Foundation, “William and Karen Ackman,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/ackman-william-karen/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/ackman-william-karen/). [^10]: Combat Antisemitism Movement, “Coalition,” [https://combatantisemitism.org/coalition/](https://combatantisemitism.org/coalition/). [^11]: Nahum A. Bernstein, _Nahum A. Bernstein FBI File_, The Israel Lobby Archive, [https://www.israellobby.org/bernstein/default.asp](https://www.israellobby.org/bernstein/default.asp). [^12]: Ira Sharkansky, “Mayor Teddy Kollek and the Jerusalem Foundation: Governing the Holy City,” _Public Administration Review_ 44, no. 4 (July–August 1984): 299–304, [https://www.jstor.org/stable/976075](https://www.jstor.org/stable/976075). [^13]: “Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies Inc., Form 990-PF (2016),” _ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer_, [https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/133984936/201703189349102895/full](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/133984936/201703189349102895/full). [^14]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Mathew Bronfman,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/bronfman-mathew/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/bronfman-mathew/). [^15]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Charles R. and Andrea Bronfman,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/bronfman-charles-r-andrea/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/bronfman-charles-r-andrea/). *Lists other contributions to specific Jerusalem Foundation initiatives.* [^16]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Edgar M. and Georgina Bronfman,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/bronfman-edgar-m-georgina/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/bronfman-edgar-m-georgina/). [^17]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Leon D. and Debra Black,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/black-leon-d-debra/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/black-leon-d-debra/). [^18]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Dr. Peretz and Anne Martin,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/dr-peretz-martin-anne/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/dr-peretz-martin-anne/). [^19]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Sam and Jean Rothberg,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/rothberg-sam-jean/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/rothberg-sam-jean/). [^20]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Mortimer B. Zuckerman,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/zuckerman-mortimer-b/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/zuckerman-mortimer-b/). [^21]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Goldman Sachs & Co.,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/goldman-sachs-co/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/goldman-sachs-co/). [^22]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2006 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2006.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2006.pdf). [^23]: “Dan Meridor,” _Wikipedia_, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Meridor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Meridor). [^24]: “Eliyahu Meridor,” _Wikipedia_, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliyahu_Meridor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliyahu_Meridor). [^25]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/blaustein-jacob-hilda-foundation/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/blaustein-jacob-hilda-foundation/). [^26]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Ralph Goldman,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/goldman-ralph/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/goldman-ralph/). [^27]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Marc Rich Foundation,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/rich-marc-foundation/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/rich-marc-foundation/). [^28]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2007 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2007.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2007.pdf). [^29]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Leslie H. Wexner,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/wexner-leslie-h/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/wexner-leslie-h/). [^30]: Al-Haq, “Coalition of Palestinian and International Organizations Call for the Immediate Suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement,” [https://www.alhaq.org/publications/20869.html](https://www.alhaq.org/publications/20869.html). [^31]: Jerusalem Foundation, “City of David,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/old-project/city-of-david/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/old-project/city-of-david/). [^32]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Jewish National Fund Israel,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/jewish-national-fund-israel/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/jewish-national-fund-israel/). [^33]: Jerusalem Foundation, “David Azrieli,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/azrieli-david/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/azrieli-david/). [^34]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Ambassador Max and Marjorie Kampelman,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/ambassador-max-marjorie-kampelman/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/donor/ambassador-max-marjorie-kampelman/). [^35]: Shlomit Tsur, "Ruth Cheshin buys Tel Aviv penthouse for NIS 47m," *Globes*, January 2, 2019, https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-ruth-cheshin-buys-tel-aviv-penthouse-for-nis-47m-1001267366 [^36]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2008 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemhttps://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2008.pdffoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2008.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2008.pdf). *Kraft Stadium is mentioned on page 27.* [^37]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2009 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2009.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2009.pdf). *Nahum Bernstein is mentioned on page 47.* [^38]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2023 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Annual-Report-2023-FINAL-updated.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Annual-Report-2023-FINAL-updated.pdf). [^39]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2010 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2010.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2010.pdf). [^40]: Lazar Berman, “Netanyahu Spokesman Quits, Admits to Racist Remarks on Mizrahi Jews, Attacks on PM,” _The Times of Israel_, March 25, 2026, [https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-spokesman-quits-admits-to-racist-remarks-on-mizrahi-jews-attacks-on-pm/](https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-spokesman-quits-admits-to-racist-remarks-on-mizrahi-jews-attacks-on-pm/). [^41]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2022 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/%D7%93%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA%D7%99-%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%99-2023.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/%D7%93%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA%D7%99-%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%99-2023.pdf). [^42]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2021 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Annual-Report-2021-final-draft.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Annual-Report-2021-final-draft.pdf). [^43]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2011 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2011.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2011.pdf). [^44]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2012 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2012.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2012.pdf). [^45]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2014 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2014.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2014.pdf). [^46]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2015 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2015.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2015.pdf). [^47]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Staff,” [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/staff/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/staff/). [^48]: Jerusalem Foundation, “Jerusalem Foundation Board Appoints New President,” December 19, 2024, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/news/jerusalem-foundation-board-appoints-new-president/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/news/jerusalem-foundation-board-appoints-new-president/). [^49]: Jerusalem Foundation, “With Heavy Hearts and Deep Sadness, We Announce the Passing of Jerusalem Foundation President Shai Doron,” August 28, 2024, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/news/with-heavy-hearts-and-deep-sadness-we-announce-the-passing-of-jerusalem-foundation-president-shai-doron/](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/news/with-heavy-hearts-and-deep-sadness-we-announce-the-passing-of-jerusalem-foundation-president-shai-doron/). [^50]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2016 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2016.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2016.pdf). [^51]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2017 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2017.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JF-Annual-Report-2017.pdf). [^52]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2019 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/JF-Annual-Report-2019-1.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/JF-Annual-Report-2019-1.pdf). [^53]: Jerusalem Foundation, _2020 Annual Report_, [https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Annual-Report-2020-final.pdf](https://jerusalemfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Annual-Report-2020-final.pdf).