Mayor Teddy Kollek, renowned as his city`s greatest mayor in modern times, takes in the scene on Israel Independence Day, Yom Ha`Atzmaut, in Jerusalem on May 14, 1986. Kollek, born in Hungary, moved with his family to Austria when he was a child. From there, the emigrated to Palestine, then under British mandate, in 1935. He was one of the founders of Kibbutz Ein Gev, on the Kinneret Sea of Galilee. He became mayor of Jerusalem in 1965, but his greatest challenge became becoming mayor of a greatly enlarged city after Israel`s victory in the 1967 War. He understood well the necessity to strive to balance the needs of all of its citizens and keep the peace between diverse Jewish, Muslim, and Christian residents. He appreciated how easily a local squabble or a violent incident could quickly transform into one with international ramifications. Kollek successfully transformed the capital into a world-class, modern city during his 28 years at the helm as he won re-election 5 times. A Labour Party supporter, he governed on the One Jerusalem Party ticket. Along the way, he beautified the city with the help of the Jerusalem Foundation which he began and he was central in the development of the cultural gem, the Jerusalem Theater and the expansion of Jerusalem`s renowned Biblical Zoo. He was married to Tamar Kollek for 70 years. Teddy Kollek died on January 2, 2007 age the age of 95.
|
