# Teddy Kollek > Israeli politician (1911–2007) **Wikidata**: [Q302203](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q302203) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Kollek) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/teddy-kollek ## Summary Teddy Kollek was an Israeli politician who served as mayor of Jerusalem from 1965 to 1993, known for his role in developing the city's cultural institutions and infrastructure, including the establishment of the Israel Museum. ## Biography - Born: 1911-05-27 - Nationality: Israel - Known for: Mayor of Jerusalem (1965-1993), development of Jerusalem's cultural institutions - Employer(s): Jerusalem Foundation, Israel Museum - Field(s): Politics, urban development ## Contributions Teddy Kollek made significant contributions to Jerusalem's development through his leadership roles and institutional building. He was instrumental in establishing and developing the Israel Museum, serving as a key figure in its founding and growth. His work focused on urban planning and cultural development within Jerusalem. ## FAQs - **What was Teddy Kollek's most significant achievement?** He served as mayor of Jerusalem from 1965 to 1993, leading the city's development and cultural expansion, including the establishment of the Israel Museum. - **What institutions did Teddy Kollek help establish?** He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Israel Museum, serving as a key figure in its founding and development. - **What was Teddy Kollek's political career?** Kollek was an Israeli politician who served as mayor of Jerusalem for nearly three decades, focusing on urban development and cultural institutions. - **What awards did Teddy Kollek receive?** He received multiple honors including the Israel Prize, Bavarian Order of Merit, and honorary doctorates from several universities. ## Why They Matter Teddy Kollek's leadership transformed Jerusalem from a divided city into a unified urban center with enhanced cultural infrastructure. His vision for the city's development created lasting institutions that continue to shape Jerusalem's identity and serve as cultural landmarks. Without his leadership, Jerusalem's post-1967 development and cultural institutions might have taken a different path, potentially lacking the comprehensive approach to urban planning and cultural preservation that characterized his tenure. ## Notable For - Received the Israel Prize, regarded as Israel's highest cultural honor - Awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit for his contributions to cultural development - Honored with multiple honorary doctorates from institutions including Harvard University, Columbia University, and Ben-Gurion University - Served as mayor of Jerusalem for 28 years (1965-1993), the longest-serving mayor in the city's history - Received the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association for his contributions to peace and understanding ## Body ### Early Life and Background Teddy Kollek was born on May 27, 1911, though his specific birthplace is not detailed in the source material. He became an Israeli politician who made significant contributions to the development of Jerusalem and Israeli culture. ### Political Career Kollek's political career began with his involvement in Israeli politics, though specific details about his early political positions are not provided in the source material. He rose to prominence through his leadership in Jerusalem's municipal government. ### Leadership as Mayor of Jerusalem Kollek served as mayor of Jerusalem from 1965 until 1993, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in the city's history. During his tenure, he focused on urban development, cultural preservation, and infrastructure improvements. ### Role in Establishing the Israel Museum One of Kollek's most significant contributions was his involvement with the Israel Museum. The museum was established in 1965 as Israel's national museum, and Kollek played a key role in its development and expansion. The museum houses extensive collections of art, archaeology, and Jewish heritage, including the Shrine of the Book which displays the Dead Sea Scrolls. ### Development of Public Spaces and Infrastructure Kollek was instrumental in developing Jerusalem's public spaces and infrastructure. This included the creation of Teddy Park, a public park situated opposite Jerusalem's Old City and David's Citadel, and the development of Teddy Stadium, a football stadium in Jerusalem. His vision for urban planning emphasized creating spaces that would serve both residents and visitors while preserving the city's historical and cultural heritage. ### International Recognition and Honors Kollek received numerous international honors for his contributions to culture and peace. He was awarded the Israel Prize, regarded as Israel's highest cultural honor. Additionally, he received the Bavarian Order of Merit from the Free State of Bavaria, Germany. He was honored with honorary doctorates from multiple prestigious institutions including Harvard University, Columbia University, and Ben-Gurion University. ### Legacy After his death on January 2, 2007, Teddy Kollek left behind a legacy of urban development and cultural preservation in Jerusalem. His contributions to the Israel Museum and other cultural institutions continue to influence Jerusalem's identity as a center of culture and history. The Teddy Park and Teddy Stadium named after him serve as lasting tributes to his vision for the city's development. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. [Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Awards](http://rooseveltinstitute.org/fdr-four-freedoms-awards-1/) 4. [Moses-Mendelssohn-Preis des Landes Berlin - Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger 1980 bis 2020](https://www.berlin.de/sen/kultur/foerderung/foerderergebnisse/2020_liste_mmpreistraeger.pdf) 5. [Source](https://www.friedenspreis-des-deutschen-buchhandels.de/alle-preistraeger-seit-1950/1980-1989/teddy-kollek) 6. [Source](http://geschichte.univie.ac.at/en/persons/teddy-kollek) 7. [website](https://euro-acad.eu/files/Laureates-Toleranzpreis.pdf) 8. general catalog of BnF 9. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze 10. MusicBrainz 11. Integrated Authority File 12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 13. SNAC 14. Discogs 15. Find a Grave 16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 17. Munzinger Personen 18. [Source](http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1167467643457&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull) 19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 20. CONOR.SI 21. [Source](https://mix-n-match.toolforge.org/#/entry/63772293) 22. The LiederNet Archive