Theodor Kollek managed the city of Jerusalem for twenty-eight years, serving as mayor from 1965 until 1993. His administration focused on transforming the urban landscape into a modern center while navigating complex geopolitical tensions. Born in 1911 in Nagyvázsony, Hungary, he eventually moved to Mandatory Palestine, where he became a central figure in Israel’s political development.
Intelligence and Early Political Work
Before his mayoral tenure, Kollek held significant roles within the Jewish Agency. During the 1940s, he served as deputy head of intelligence and acted as a liaison to the British Mandate’s MI5. In this capacity, he provided intelligence against underground groups such as the Irgun and Lehi. Following this, he represented the Haganah in Washington between 1947 and 1948, focusing on ammunition acquisition. He later served as director general of the prime minister's office under David Ben-Gurion starting in 1952.
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Taking office in 1965, Kollek succeeded Mordechai Ish-Shalom. His administration spanned the post-1967 period following the capture of East Jerusalem. He prioritized modernization projects and founded the Jerusalem Foundation to secure private funding for civic initiatives. His efforts included establishing the Jerusalem Theater and advocating for the expansion of the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. He eventually oversaw the zoo's relocation to a larger site in Malha, which reopened as the Tisch Family Zoological Garden in 1993.
Cultural Legacy and The Israel Museum
Kollek maintained a deep commitment to cultural institutions, most notably the Israel Museum. He served as the museum's president from 1965 to 1996 and was formally named its founder in 2000. In 1990, the institution recognized his contributions by naming him the 'father of the museum.' Throughout his political career, he held various accolades, including the 1985 Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association and the 1988 Israel Prize.
Final Years
After losing the 1993 mayoral election to Ehud Olmert, Kollek remained active in various capacities well into his later years. He and his wife, Tamar Schwarz, eventually moved to the Hod Yerushalayim retirement home. He continued working until his nineties despite declining health. Kollek passed away on 2 January 2007, and his final resting place is at the Mount Herzl national cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1911, Nagyvázsony
- Died: 2007, Jerusalem
- Mayor of Jerusalem: 1965-1993
- Spouse: Tamar Schwarz
- Political affiliation: Labor Party
- Burial site: Mount Herzl
- Israel Prize recipient: 1988
Questions readers ask
How long did Teddy Kollek serve as Mayor of Jerusalem?
He served for 28 years, holding the position from 1965 to 1993.
What was his role in the development of the Israel Museum?
He served as the museum's president from 1965 to 1996 and was recognized as its founder and 'father of the museum' for his extensive development and fundraising efforts.
Achievements
- Mayor of Jerusalem (1965–1993)
- Israel Prize — 1988
- Bavarian Order of Merit
- Great Cross with Star and Sash of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Four Freedoms Award – Freedom of Worship — 1988
