Teddy Kollek

Teddy Kollek (May 27, 1911 – January 2, 2007) was an Israeli politician who served as the Mayor of Jerusalem from 1965 to 1993. He is widely credited with unifying Jerusalem after the Six-Day War and developing it into a modern, culturally rich city while respecting the diverse religious and ethnic communities within its boundaries.

Born in Vienna, Austria, Kollek immigrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1934 and became involved in various Zionist activities. During World War II, he worked for the Jewish Agency, assisting in efforts to rescue Jews from Nazi Europe. After the establishment of the State of Israel, he served in several government positions, including Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office under David Ben-Gurion.

Kollek's long tenure as mayor of Jerusalem was marked by significant urban development projects, including the construction of new neighborhoods, parks, and cultural institutions. He was a strong advocate for coexistence between Jews and Arabs in Jerusalem and worked to improve infrastructure and services for all residents. Despite facing criticism from both the left and right wings of Israeli politics, he maintained a pragmatic approach to governance, earning him respect from many quarters.

Kollek received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Jerusalem and his efforts to promote peace and understanding. He is remembered as a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern city of Jerusalem.