Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot’s Annual Gala – NYC 2019

“Essen with the Best: A Night to Celebrate All Things Food” – Museum of the Jewish people at Beit Hatfutsot’s Annual Gala took place the evening of December 2 2019 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom and honored our dear friend Joan Nathan. It was an evening to remember featuring the best and the brightest in the […]
“Essen with the Best: A Night to Celebrate All Things Food”
“Essen with the Best: A Night to Celebrate All Things Food,” which will take place the evening of December 2 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom and honor our dear friend Joan Nathan. It will be an evening to remember featuring the best and the brightest in the world of Jewish food. Joan will curate a delicious […]
Watch: My Family Story 24th Anniversary Celebration

The final event of this international Jewish heritage competition includes 200 Jewish institutions, 30 countries and more than 20,000 young participants. The 50 finalists and their families will attend the exhibition opening in memory of Manuel Hirsch Grosskopf at The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv, Israel. The Koret international […]
Beit Hatfutsot Awarded the Access Israel Accessibility Prize for Offering Robotic Guided Remote Tours

For the first time in Israel: The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot is proud to present a state-of-the-art tool: The C U ROBOT. As part of the Museum’s focus on accessibility through the use of innovative technologies, Beit Hatfutsot has launched a new robot tour that was developed specifically for Beit Hatfutsot. […]
Beit Hatfutsot at the IAC Celebrate Israel Festival in Los Angeles

“Gibborim: Trailblazers of the Jewish People” from Beit Hatfutsot was the leading event for kids and families at the IAC Celebrate Israel Festival in Los Angeles this past Sunday, May 19. Hundreds of families jammed out to Jewish singers like Dana International and Bob Dylan, created works of art a la Marc Chagall, jumped in […]
Beit Hatfutsot’s Capsule Exhibit on Vintage Jewish Fashion – in Los Angeles

In the coming three months, Beit Hatfutsot’s Capsule Exhibit on Vintage Jewish Fashion will be displayed in six branches of the Los Angeles Public Library; in the Jewish Libraries Association conference; and in the Jewish American University. The images in the exhibit all belong to the Oster Visual Documentation Center at Beit Hatfutsot. Curator: Yaara Litwin […]
Visit of India’s Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Pavan Kapoor

We were delighted to host Mr. Pavan Kapoor and his wife, the ambassador of India to Israel, who participated in the symposium “Movements in the Middle East Post 1948”. In the panel “Migration and Refugees” the following scholars took part: Lyn Julius, author of the acclaimed work “Uprooted: How 3,000 years of Jewish Civilization in the […]
Prof. Havi Dreifuss’ Lecture on the Holocaust in Soviet Russia

Sunday, March 31: Boris Maftsir’s film “The road to Babi Yar” was screened in the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot. This is the latest film in Maftsir’s documentary serial project. Before the screening, Ms. Liora Shani, Director of Conventions & Events Center, greeted the visitors, and then historian Prof. Havi Dreifuss from the Institute for […]
I.D.F. General Staff Forum Visited the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot

I.D.F. Chief of the General Staff, lieutenant general Aviv Kochavi and members of the General Staff Forum, found the time yesterday to leave their uniform at home for a few hours and enjoyed an amusing evening at Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv. They were guided by Itamar Kremer, director of the Koret International School for […]
Management of Maccabi Israel Visited Beit Hatfutsot

We were delighted to have the management of Maccabi, towards a cooperation between the Maccabi movement and Beit Hatfutsot, in which groups from South American, the United States and Europe are planned to visit Beit Hatfutsot. Among the distinguished guests were Eyal Tiberger, CEO Maccabi Israel, and Carlo Tapiero, deputy director-general of education. The cooperation will […]
Tisch Dialogue Evening in Italy

A Tisch Dialogue evening was held at the home of Claudia De Benedetti, the Italian representative on our International Executive Board of Governors. The guest list comprised Museum Directors, opinion makers and prominent members of the Jewish community. The evening was chaired by Elena Loewenthal who is a well-known and highly respected figure both in […]
Forum Yerusalem Honors Community Heroines

‘’Mother, tell me one more time/ how did we end up here Tell me of the journey in the desert/ how we left in darkest night’’ The 3rd Annual Yerusalem conference, held at Tel Aviv Cinematheque, was dedicated to Israeli Ethiopian women. Previous conferences honoured Ferede Aklum Z’’L and Baruch Tegene Z’’L whose persistence helped […]
Reception in Honor of the President of Austria

We were delighted to host a festive cocktail party in honor of Mr. Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria, who came with his wife, the Austrian minister for digital and economic issues; Martha Schultz, vice president of the Austrian chamber of commerce; Martin Weiss, ambassador of Austria in Israel, Talya Ledor Presher; and 200 Austrian […]
What a Night! The Museum’s Annual Gala in New York

The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot hosted a magnificent celebration of Jewish humor radiating with the rich content of “Let There Be Laughter: Jewish Humor Around the World,” the blockbuster exhibition currently on display at the Museum. It was a unique event demonstrating the brand values of a renewed Beit Hatfutsot. Our vision, mission […]
Siro Polo Padolecchia da Ponte, Descendant of Marco Polo, Visited the Museum

We were proud and delighted to host Prof. Siro Polo Padolecchia at the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot. Siro Polo Padolecchia, born in Venice in an ancient noble family, is the last living descendant of Marco Polo. Former Ambassador of Italy at the United Nations, he assisted maaplilim to arrive to Israel after […]
Special Guest: Nobel Laureate Claude Cohen-Tannoudji

The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot had the pleasure to host today the Nobel laureate in physics, the Algeria born French-Jewish physicist, Prof. Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, who now visits Israel within a scientific conference, as the President’s guest. Tannoudji, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 1997, toured the museum, accompanied by […]
Beit Hatfutsot at the GPO Jewish Media Summit

In a summit held this week in Jerusalem, Irina Nevzlin, Chair of the Board of Directors of The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot, chaired a panel moderated by journalist Zvika Klein (“Makor Rishon”), titled: “Israel and the Diaspora: united we stand?” Before the panel, the audience enjoyed the video “You are part […]
Book Launch – Bucharest Dairy: Romania’s Journey from Darkness to Light by Ambassador Alfred Moses

October 22, 2018: We were proud and delighted to have the book launch of Ambassador Alfred Moses, Co-chairman of the International Board of Governors of The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot. General (res.) Amos Yadlin, director of the Institute for National Security Studies, and Ms. Irina Nevzlin, chair of the Board of Directors […]
The Museum of the Jewish People at the JFNA General Assembly

Monday, Oct. 22, Tel Aviv The General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America opened Monday for the first time in Tel Aviv. Irina Nevzlin, President of the Nadav Foundation and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot, delivered her speech at the opening plenary of […]
Visit of the President of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament
The President of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament, H.E. Wolfgang Sobotka, accompanied by a high level delegation, visited The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot today. Among the distinguished participants in the delegation were H.E Martin Weiss, Austrian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Martin Engelberg, member of the national Council, Mr. Harald […]
“At 70: Treasures of Museums in Israel” – Special Exhibition at the Knesset
The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot was honored to take part in a unique exhibition, displayed at the Knesset: “At 70: Treasures of Museums in Israel”. This exhibition, initiated by The Association of Museums in Israel and the Knesset, featured the videos from the highly acclaimed media exhibition “Operation Moses: 30 Years […]
From “Diaspora Museum” to “Museum of the Jewish People”: Renewal and identity

When Beit Hatfutsot was first opened, in 1978, it was called The Diaspora Museum, setting as a main goal to tell the story of Jewish communities in the diaspora, thus connecting Israelis to their past. At that time, the classic Zionist view was that the difference between Israelis and their fellow Jews in the diaspora […]
My Family Story 2018: Awards and Exhibition in Memory of Manuel Hirsh Grosskopf

The final event of this international Jewish heritage competition includes 190 Jewish institutions, 24 countries and more than 20,000 young participants. The 58 finalists and their families attended the closing event and exhibition opening at The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv, Israel Bursts of laughter, applause of praise and […]
The National Day of the Republic of Slovenia Reception | Exhibition | Panel

The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot and The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Slovenia, attended by H.E. Ambassador Ms. Barbara Sušnik, H.E. Ambassador Ms. Charlotte Slente, and distinguished guests. The reception included: An exhibition on Jewish soldiers of the […]
Beit Hatfutsot at Herzliya Conference 2018: Keynote Speech by Irina Nevzlin and Special Panel

We were extremely proud and honored to be hosted at the 2018 Herzliya Conference. Ms. Irina Nevzlin, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot and President of the Nadav Foundation, was invited to give the keynote speech addressing the distinguished forum. Ms. Nevzlin was warmly welcomed […]
Exhibition Opening: “Let There Be Laughter – Jewish Humor Around the World”

We were thrilled and honored to launch the new exhibition “Let There Be Laughter – Jewish Humor Around the World”, celebrating generations of Jewish humor, and marking 70 years of Israeli humor and satire. Many stage artists, comedians, actors, businesspersons and friends of the museum came to celebrate the opening with us, and were hosted […]
A Festive Tribute to Beit Hatfutsot in Bologna, Italy

The Jewish Museum in Bologna, directed by Dr. Guido Ottolenghi, hosted a Gala evening in honor of The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot’s 40th anniversary. Mayor of Bologna, Mr. Virginio Merola, the Ambassador of Israel in Italy, Mr. Ofer Sachs, President of the Jewish Communities in Italy (UCEI), Ms. Noemi Di Segni, and Ms. […]
Parliament Directors Visit Beit Hatfutsot
We were delighted to host a distinguished group of parliament directors from over 30 states, who came to a conference arranged by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The guests toured through the exhibitions and learnt about the different aspects of Jewish history and heritage. They were guided by Beit Hatfutsot C.E.O., Dan Tadmor, and guides […]
In Memory of Sam E. Bloch, 1924-2018
Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People mourns the passing of a lifelong friend and leader – Sam E. Bloch Z”L. Sam was one of the founders of the Museum, envisioning a central establishment bridging between Israel and global Jewish communities. Since its inception, Sam Bloch supported the Museum and established the American […]
A Celebration of Israel’s 70th Anniversary and Beit Hatfutsot’s 40th Anniversary
Friends of Israel and Beit Hatfutsot gathered on January 9, 2018 for a memorable event launching the celebration of Israel’s 70th Anniversary and Beit Hatfutsot’s 40th Anniversary. The evening was held in conjunction with Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann, Beit Hatfutsot, the Mossad and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s landmark exhibition on […]
The Annual Gala Dinner in New York – January 2018
The annual gala dinner, launching the celebration of Israel’s 70th anniversary and Beit Hatfutsot’s 40th anniversary, was held on January 9, 2018 in New York, with distinguished guests such as Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, Honorary Chairman, Irina Nevzlin, Chair, Board of Directors, Ambassador Alfred H. Moses | Major General Eitan Ben Eliahu, Co-Chairs, International Board of Governors, Daniel S. Pincus, President, American Friends of Beit […]
Reception in Honor of Beit Hatfutsot in Vienna

Ambassador of Israel in Austria, Ms. Talya Lador-Fresher, hosted a festive reception and Hanukah candles lighting at her home with respected members of the Jewish community in Vienna, marking the 40th anniversary of Beit Hatfutsot. Ambassador Lador-Fresher pointed out the importance of Beit Hatfutsot, the unique museum telling the ongoing story of the Jewish people, emphasizing the […]
Knesset Celebrates World Jewry with Beit Hatfutsot

The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs initiated a national day to mark and promote the relationship between Israel and global Jewish communities. Beit Hatfutsot, a leading educational and cultural institution, was invited to address members of the Knesset and present a display featuring projects from “The Jewish Lens”, one of the Museum’s leading international programs. Dozens […]
A Special Visit to Beit Hatfutsot by Mr. Tony Blair

We were proud and delighted to have the former Prime Minister of Britain, special envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East and founding chair of The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Mr. Tony Blair, for a short visit at Beit Hatfutsot on Friday, December 8. Mr. Blair was hosted by Ms. Irina Nevzlin, chair of Beit Hatfutsot […]
Karl Katz Z”L, 1929-2017
Karl Katz, who was one of Beit Hatfutsot planners, died on Wednesday in Manhattan. He was 88. We mourn the bright man, who left his mark in the Museum of the Jewish People, as well as on many other Jewish museums and institutes. May he rest in peace. Read the New York Times obituary […]
UN Secretary General Mr. António Guterres Speech at Beit Hatfutsot
UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres delivered the closing Speech of his special visit to Israel at Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People. Mr. Guterres was welcomed by Beit Hatfutsot’s board of directors chairwoman, Irina Nevzlin, CEO of the Museum of the Jewish People, Dan Tadmor, co-chair of Beit Hatfutsot’s Board of Governors, Major-General (Ret.) […]
Children with Special Needs Visit Beit Hatfutsot Thanks to a Kind Donation

1000 children with special needs have already visited Beit Hatfutot thanks to the generation donation by the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc, of Long Island, New York. This kind support, organized by the Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot, enables the Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood to host the children in a fascinating seminar […]
Perry Farag – Discovering the Story Behind the Story

You are Part of the Story is the central concept and one of the principle tenets of Beit Hatfutsot. This was also the raison d’etre behind the fundraising event recently held by The Israel Friends of the Museum (IFBH). Over 200 friends, including leading Israeli businessmen, attended a special screening of the documentary film “Photo Farag” […]
The French Ambassador Visit
Dan Tadmor the CEO of Beit Hatfutsot hosted the French Ambassador in Israel, Helene La Gal, together with Barbara Wolffer, Director of the French Institute in Israel when they visited the New Wing of the Museum. The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot and the French Embassy have a long history of fruitful […]
New reviews about the exhibition “Capturing History: The Photography of Chim”

-Exhibition was closed on July 1, 2018- ‘Capturing History: The Photography of Chim’ Review: The Past Made Personal / by William Meyers, The Wall Street Journal, July 17, 2017 ‘Capturing History: The Photography of Chim” is part of Magnum Photo’s 70th-anniversary celebration. In 1947, David “Chim” Seymour, Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson and George Rodger founded the […]
A Visit From Djerba

Last week we were honored to host three teachers from the “Torah VeChinuch” Jewish school in the island of Djerba, Tunisia. Visits from Tunisia are quite scarce, especially since 2012, when the relationship between Israel and Tunisia deteriorated following the events of the “Arab Spring” in several countries. Sarit Hadad, Anael Hadad and Batia Ahuh […]
Taube Philanthropies Makes $5 Million Gift to Beit Hatfutsot

Contact: Samantha Kupferman, West End Strategy Team skupferman@westendstrategy.com Office: 212.498.9300; Cell: 202.215.9260 Taube Philanthropies Makes $5 Million Gift to Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People Pivotal grant enables the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot to begin final phase of $100 million overhaul A $5 million gift from Taube Philanthropies […]
Dr. Melville Edelstein – The Life and Death of a Mentch and a Hero

On June 16, 2017, the documentary film Remembering Dr Melville Edelstein – the life & death of a Good Man was screened at Beit Hatfutsot, to mark the 41st anniversary to the uprising in Soweto, South Africa, a defining event that began the demise of the Apartheid regime in that country. Dr. Edelstein was an unsung hero […]
“Groundbreaking Leadership: Strength of Individual, Tenacity of the Community” – Yerusalem Forum Annual Conference

“Groundbreaking Leadership: Strength of Individual, Tenacity of the Community” is an annual conference, led by Forum Yerusalem (of which Beit Hatfutsot is a member), designed to commend various heroes of the Ethiopian Jewish community, exploiting their stories in order to expose the courage and determination of its members on their journey to Israel. The immigration […]
“The Tripoli Exodus” 50th Anniversary

We were pleased and proud to cooperate with the Organization of Jews from Lybia in Israel, hosting a conference commemorating 50 years to the emigration of the last Jews from Lybia. Over 200 guests participated, each with their own personal, moving story. Amos Gueta shared his family story, accompanied by a fascinating presentation. His family […]
Celebrating the 22nd Anniversary of My Family Story

Press coverage: ejewishphilanthropy.com i24NEWS Worldwide Jewish International Heritage Competition: 155 Institutions, 28 Countries, 20,0000 JEWISH Youths in the Annual “My Family Story” Competition in Memory of Manuel Hirsch Grosskopf My Family Story (MFS), now in its 22nd anniversary year, is a fun-filled, meaningful, personal, global and multigenerational Jewish heritage journey to the past, where the exploration of […]
Film: Gdanski Railway Station

We were proud and delighted to host the first screening of the film Gdanski Railway Station, in cooperation with the Museum of the History of Polish Jews POLIN. The film follows the attempt of Polish-Jewish immigrants to cope with the painful events of 1968 – an outbreak of an anti-Semitic wave which led to a […]
Irina Nevzlin at the JPost Annual Conference 2017

“Identity issues used to be simple in the old times, but today, defining who you are became so difficult”: Irina Nevzlin, chair of Beit Hatfutsot Board of Directors, spoke at the JPost Annual Conference 2017. Video courtesy of Jerusalem Post:
UJA centennial mission celebrated at Beit Hatfusot

350 UJA members visited Beit Hatfutsot on Wednesday 3.5, for the opening of an exhibition that is a collaboration between Beit Hatfutsot, UJA-Federation of New York, and the American Jewish Historical Society. The exhibit documents the Federation’s first 100 years of shaping Jewish life in America and around the world and features artifacts and photographs […]
Holocaust Remembrance Day Events, 2017
Film Screening: “Shalom Italia” Each year on Holocaust Remembrance Day Beit Hatfutsot, in cooperation with the Kantor Center holds an event in honor of the late Felix Zandman, 1927 – 2001, the bright scientist. Zandman was born in Grodno, Poland, he matured in Nazi occupied Poland and during the Second World War, when he was […]
Harvey M. Krueger Z”L

Beit Hatfutsot mourns the passing of Harvey M. Krueger Honorary Fellow of Beit Hatfutsot and Past President of the American Friends of Beit Hatfutsot, a devoted friend and benefactor of Beit Hatfutsot and an enthusiast supporter of the museum’s educational and cultural activities, especially in the field of genealogy and documenting family history. May Harvey’s memory […]
Jewish Peoplehood Seminar – Toronto, February 2017

Over 800 educators, school professionals, and community leaders in Toronto came together for two days of groundbreaking professional development lead by Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. The UJA’s Israel Engagement Committee and Beit Hatfutsot’s Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies crafted this special opportunity […]
Ambassador of Switzerland, Mr. Jean-Daniel Ruch visited Beit Hatfutsot

We were delighted to host Mr. Jean Daniel Ruch, Ambassador of Switzerland in Israel, to a special screening of the film A Jew Must Die (Un Juif pour l’exemple), on 13.3.17. After the film a discussion was held, with the director, Jacob Berger and Prof. Dina Porat from Tel Aviv University. The film is based […]
Opening of the Exhibition: Capturing History: The Photography of Chim

-Exhibition was closed on July 1, 2018- It was a great delight to hold the opening gala of the exhibition “Capturing History – the Photography of Chim” at Beit Hatfutsot (March 28 2017), with over 200 attendees, guests, curators, friends, family and photography enthusiasts, speeches, music – and the wonderful art of Chim Z”L, […]
The Koret Foundation has awarded Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv a $10 million grant

The San Francisco-based Koret Foundation has awarded the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv a $10 million grant — the largest from a U.S. philanthropic foundation in the Museum’s 40-year history. The grant will go towards establishing the Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood, which develops and offers educational programs […]
Two Zions: The Living Legacy of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon

Beit Hatfutsot organized a special evening in honor of the screening of the documentary, “Two Zions: The Living Legacy of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon”. Directed and produced by Cheryl Halpern, the documentary focuses on Zion in Jerusalem and Zion in Axum, Ethiopia. It is revealed through the relationship of King Solomon and […]
The Jewish Bookshelf: The Mystery of the Kaddish and the Battle of the Two Talmuds – in Honor of Leon Charney Z”L

On Friday, December 30, 2016 Beit Hatfutsot hosted a discussion among scholars titled “The Jewish Bookshelf–The Mystery of the Kaddish and the Battle of the Two Talmuds.” The books were written by Leon H. Charney Z”L and Saul Mayzlish and the event was initiated by Tzili Charney in honor of her husband Leon on the […]
JÓVENES DIPLOMÁTICOS VISITAN EL BEIT HATFUTSOT

Beit Hatfutsot tuvo, recientemente, el honor de ser la sede de un evento para jóvenes diplomáticos, durante el cual recibieron la visita de representantes de Australia, Canadá, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croacia, Egipto, El Salvador, la Unión Europea, Finlandia, Italia, Japón, Lituania, Jordania, Noruega, Filipinas, Polonia, Rumania, Suecia, Tailandia, Reino Unido y Estados Unidos. […]
Young Diplomats Visit Beit Hatfutsot

Beit Hatfutsot recently had the honor of hosting an event for AJC’s Young Diplomats, welcoming participants from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Egypt, El Salvador, the EU, Finland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Jordan, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Thailand, the UK and the US. Holding a variety of positions at their consulates, these […]
Beit Hatfutsot at the “Olim to Jerusalem” Festival

Each year the Jerusalem Municipality honors new immigrants with an annual festival. This year, for the first time, Beit Hatfutsot joined the festivities and took part in this momentous occasion. Over 1,000 participants were in attendance, including new immigrants from English, Russian, Spanish and French speaking countries. The Museum had several items on display, including […]
Story of a Journey

Story of a Journey סיפור על הדרך The vision of David and Hadas Avate, “Sippur Al Haderech”, literally meaning a story about the journey, is a grassroots initiative that connects Israelis of various backgrounds with the story of the Ethiopian Jewish community. The Avates, together with leading community groups and institutions, organize evenings for […]
NEW ACQUISITION – 18TH CENTURY TORAH

Old but new – New acquisition of an 18th century Torah from Italy Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People, is proud to announce the acquisition of a unique Italian Torah set from the 18th century. The set, which includes a Torah Scroll, Torah Mantle, Silver Finials, Crown and half Crown, was in […]
Visit of Ambassador Lars Faaberg-Andersen

Denish diplomat Lars Faaberg-Andersen, ambassador of the European Union, visited Beit Hatfutsot on Wednesday, 16.11 and was deeply impressed by the renewal plan and the exhibitions of the new wing. Ambassador Faaberg-Andersen was greeted and accompanied by Dan Tadmor, CEO of Beit Hatfutsot, and by Ms. Enia Zeevi Kupfer, director of the Israel and Europe Desks. “We […]
An Interview with Irina Nevzlin (jewishvoiceny)

An Interview with BH chair, Irina Nevzlin (jewishvoiceny.com) I was raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in Moscow. In Russia the only religion was Communism and we were forbidden to talk about our Judaism. My family suppressed our Jewish identity. In fact, I did not even know that I was Jewish… READ THE INTERVIEW – CLICK […]
Beit Hatfutsot’s 38th Anniversary in New York

Friends and Supporters Celebrate Beit Hatfutsot’s 38th Anniversary – Establishment of The Leon H. Charney Center Announced Friends and supporters of Beit Hatfutsot recently held their annual anniversary celebration in New York. Over 250 guests attended the gala, where plans for the next phase of the renewal of the Museum were revealed. The crowd was abuzz […]
JEWISH LENS – ALL 2016 PROJECTS
Hands/ Hannah Lempert. The doorknob is originally from a Cincinnati, Ohio synagogue desecrated in 1968. The hands represent the vibrant spirit of today’s Jewish citizens who are free to welcome guests into their centers of prayer. “Remembering history is important to me as a Jewish teen because if the past is forgotten, history inevitably repeats itself.” Many Faces – One People/ Hadar […]
“SHADOW IN BAGHDAD” SCREENING at BEIT HATFUTSOT

The Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot recently hosted a special screening of the award-winning documentary “Shadow in Baghdad.” This was the latest in a series of events hosted by the IFBH, aimed to raise both awareness of the Museum and funds for its special projects. Directed by Duki Dror, “Shadow in Baghdad” tells the riveting […]
The Jewish Lens @ Beit Hatfutsot – Exhibition Opening

The Jewish Lens @ Beit Hatfutsot, is a joint initiative of the International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies at Beit Hatfutsot and the photographer Zion Ozeri. This program aims to deepen the connection of Jewish youth worldwide, with the unique and ongoing story of the Jewish people throughout the generations. The Museum […]
President Rivlin’s Visit to Beit Hatfutsot’s New Exhibition “Heroes: Trailblazers of the Jewish People”

Accompanied by his wife, children and grandchildren, President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin recently attended the Museum’s new children’s exhibition, “Heroes: Trailblazers of the Jewish People,” displayed in the Tamar and Milton Maltz Family Gallery at Beit Hatfutsot. Irina Nevzlin, Board Chair, together with Dan Tadmor, CEO, received the President and his family, sharing with them the […]
Julie Fisher Joined the “My Family Story” Event
READ ABOUT THE VISIT OF Julie Fisher, the wife of US Ambassador Dan Shapiro
My Family Story – International Annual Competition 2016

Over 300 excited young teens and their families from around the world gathered for the gala opening of the 21st year of My Family Story 2016 exhibit taking pride in their colorful creative displays that exquisitely captured their personal and collective Jewish identity and heritage. My Family Story 2016 celebrations were especially festive this year when […]
Ushering in a New Era: The Museum of the Jewish People Opens New Wing
The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot recently celebrated the grand opening of its much-anticipated new wing. This festive occasion comes after years of planning, construction and collaboration and marks a new era for the Museum, which now more than ever serves as the global center for world Jewry. Prime Minister Netanyahu was […]
Fashion Event: GALLABIA

The Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot (IFBH) promotes the educational, cultural and community programs at Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People. Events and fundraising efforts are made to support the cause of bringing school children and families from Israel’s peripheral areas to a meaningful visit at the Museum. To this end, Irit […]
International Women’s Club visits Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People

The International Women’s Club (IWC) recently visited Beit Hatfutsot. This was the third annual visit of the IWC, led by their president Catherine Cornet D’elzius, wife of the Belgian Ambassador, and Ivyhelen Cohen, their Cultural Coordinator, and hosted by Irit Admoni Perlman, Director of External Relations and Enia Zeevi Kupfer Director of the European Desk […]
Special Notice – the Museum Will be Closed on 24.5
Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot Visit Spain

The Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot—comprised of both members and significant supporters of the Museum —strive to form relationships and raise funds to promote the cultural, educational and communal projects of Beit Hatfutsot. To this end, the IFBH embarked on its second annual organized tour of a Jewish community, this year visiting Madrid and Toledo […]
“GALLABIA” – A Fashion Event of the Israel Friends Association
You are cordially invited to enjoy a lovely event of Israeli fashion – and at the same time to support Beit Hatfutsot by assisting us to bring soldiers and Olim to the museum. Friday, May 6 at 11am Tickets: 200 NIS
May 25 – Opening of the New Wing!

We are proud and happy to be launching the Beit Hatfutsot New Wing on May 25, 2016! Beit Hatfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People is a national institution since 2005. These days we are planning the construction of a new Core Exhibition, which will offer an authentic, inclusive and inspiring global Jewish experience for […]
Opening: Italian Jewish Renaissance – The Beauty of Italian Judaica

Beit Hatfutsot is proud to present a new exhibition that showcases the elegance, refinement, and, above all, the harmony that is a highlight of Italian Jewish culture. “Italian Jewish Renaissance: The Beauty of Italian Judaica” is an exhibition of artifacts from the U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art, Jerusalem and is currently open to the […]
Announcement – “Spring Prism” Photo Exhibition
The Spring Prism photo exhibition will display photos reflecting a variety of perspectives from worldwide Jewish communities, through the prism of spring and all its multi-dimensional associations. Both Israeli and worldwide Jewish communities are mutually intrigued about various aspects of each other’s lives. A range of photographs offers an opportunity for an encounter between […]
Here Comes the Bride – Now on display in New York

TWELVE GOWNS ONE UNIFIED THREAD “Here Comes the Bride: Wedding Gowns Embroidering a Jewish Story” is an original exhibition that showcases twelve haute couture wedding gowns. Each unique gown sheds light on the distinct traditions and customs of various Jewish communities, including those of Yemen, Poland, Iraq, Greece and Germany, to name a few. After being […]
“Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann” – at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Cleveland, Ohio

“Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann”: Curated by Beit Hatfutsot, this seminal exhibition recently opened at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Cleveland, Ohio. Based on confidential documents and artifacts kept by the Mossad (Israel’s intelligence agency) for fifty years, this exhibition reveals not only history at large, but the […]
Curator’s Personal Reflections – “Operation Finale” in Ohio

“Operation Finale: The Capture & Trial of Adolf Eichmann” in Cleveland – personal reflections Transforming “Operation Finale” from an Israeli exhibition that speaks to an audience who knew how to pronounce “Eichmann” and “holocaust” from the age of kindergarten, to an exhibition for American viewers who are at times less familiar with this story – […]
Zambian Delegation Visit
We were pleased to host distinguished educators and business persons from Zambia. Beit Hatfutsot CEO, Mr. Dan Tadmor, showed them the present exhibitions and revealed the renewal and development plans. Sitting (Left to Right): Honorable Michael kaingu Minister of Higher Education Dan Tadmor His Excellency The Ambassador of Zambia to Israel, Mr. Martin Mwanambale Her Excellency […]
Memories of a Talit, Bat Mitzvah and Shabbat – G2G at Bet Shira in Miami

Who was your best friend growing up? Did you attend a Jewish school or youth group? Do you celebrate the holidays the same way today as you did when you were a kid? These are some of the questions discussed by students of the Jewish Learning Center of Congregation Bet Shira in Miami with older […]
The Next Step for Jewish Peoplehood / by Rabbi Talia Avnon-Benveniste (eJewish Philanthropy)
An article marking the 10th anniversary of the International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies (ISJPS): “While the whole notion of peoplehood has become so central to professional Jewish circles in recent years, it simply doesn’t resonate with the overwhelming majority of Jews from around the world” – READ FULL ARTICLE
Beit Hatfutsot & Times of Israel “MyJudaism” Campaign

#myjudaism grew out of a Times of Israel post by writer Sarah Tuttle-Singer #MyJudaism is a wild dance, which quickly went viral (shared 1.8k times). Beit Hatfutsot promoted the campaign along with The Times of Israel, resulting in over 28 amazingly colorful and personal stories of what being Jewish means to YOU. To participate, send in […]
Beit Hatfutsot – Media Coverage 2015

Click here to read full document on Beit Hatfutsot Media Coverage 2015 (PDF)
Friends and Supporters Join in New York to Celebrate Beit Hatfutsot’s 37th Anniversary

Friends and supporters of Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish people, recently gathered in New York for the Museum’s annual celebration. Hundreds of guests including young and seasoned leaders, had the pleasure of hearing in detail about two major milestones in the Museum’s renewal project, both set to take place over the next […]
Special Beit Hatfutsot Exhibition at the Knesset

Beit Hatfutsot recently had the honor of being invited by the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) to present a preview display of the upcoming original exhibition “Operation Moses: 30 Years After”. On Monday, December 7th, 2015, the Knesset Aliyah and Absorption Committee held a unique session marking 30 years of the immigration of Ethiopian Jewry to Israel. […]
Yitzhak Navon Z”L – Childhood Memories

Yitzhak Navon was the 5th president of the State of Israel, a politician, a diplomat, and an author. He passed away on 6.11.16, at the age of 94. His memories were include in the 2015 “My Family Story” catalog, “Stories from Jewish Leaders. (CLICK HERE TO BUY THE CATALOG): “My mother knew how to prepare […]
Irina Nevzlin didn’t know she was Jewish – now she is chair of Beit Hatfutsot’s board of directors

Read the complete interview with Irina Nevzlin, published by Debra Kamin, JTA: Jewish Telegraphic Agency: http://www.jta.org/2015/11/05/arts-entertainment/meet-the-jewish-woman-whos-reinventing-the-museum-of-the-jewish-people
Special Note: on Monday, November 2 the “United Colors of Judaica” exhibition will be closed

Special Note: On Monday, November 2 the “United Colors of Judaica” exhibition will be closed. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Continuing the legacy of Chich – legendary former Mayor of Tel Aviv

The Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot (IFBH) held a moving musical fundraising event recently, led by renowned Israeli composer and performer Nurit Hirsch. The evening was dedicated to legendary former Mayor of Tel Aviv and Chair of Beit Hatfutsot, Shlomo (Chich) Lahat z”l, who passed away a year ago. In his honor IFBH established […]
The Lost Ring from Erfurt, Germany Warmly Received at Beit Hatfutsot
A moving ceremony took place at Beit Hatfutsot last Wednesday, attended by the Premier of the State of Thuringia, Germany, Mr. Bodo Ramelow, and the Mayor of Erfurt, Mr. Andreas Basewein, along with the Chairperson of the Board of Beit Hatfutsot, Ms. Irina Nevzlin and the CEO, Mr. Dan Tadmor. One of the most amazing […]
Yitzhak Rabin’s Assassination – 20th Anniversary

Marking 20 years since the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin Beit Hatfutsot is displaying an online intergenerational wall to share memories and connect generations. Where were you when you heard about the assassination? What were your feelings during that period? How did this moment leave a mark on you? Add your message to our […]
The Erfurt Treasure – The Story of a Ring

In 1998, archaeologists digging in the old Jewish quarter in Erfurt, a city in Germany, could not believe their eyes. They had uncovered, beneath a stone wall in the basement of a house from medieval times, a remarkable treasure. This spectacular hoard of jewelry, coins and silverware included 3,141 silver coins, 14 ingots of silver, […]
Sukkot Worldwide – from Beit Hatfutsot Photos Collections:

The Remuh synagogue – click to read more GIFTS FOR SUKKOT: A VARIETY OF POMEGRANATES BY ISRAELI ARTISTS –
Film Screening at Beit Hatfutsot draws new crowds
Former secret service officials, businessmen, Board members and friends came to Beit Hatfutsot to pay respects to Leon Charney and watch a special screening of the documentary “Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace”. Leon Charney is a Jewish American businessman, political advisor, author, philanthropist, media personality, and cantor. He is remembered as the key […]
New Clips – “Tararam” Around the World!

Summer camps in Hungary, Canada, and the U.S.A. sent us their version of this summer’s “Hine Ma Tov” song by Doron Refaeli of the “Tararam!” group. Watch:
Beit Hatfutsot 2014 Annual Report

On any given day, The Museum of the Jewish People is alive with the sights and sounds of people encountering new aspects of the Jewish experience. These people – of all ages and backgrounds – discover and create the many different stories that constitute our collective past, present and future – our peoplehood. Whether it […]
Opening Night: Eliahou Eric Bokobza – a New Solo Exhibition

A new exhibition, “United Colors of Judaica – Eliahou Eric Bokobza – Multiple Jewish Identities: A New Perspective” is now on display at Beit Hatfutsot. This new solo exhibition by Eliahou Eric Bokobza, is an inspiring discussion of Jewish identity from the ethnic, religious and cultural aspects. Amongst the attendees at the opening night held last […]
Tararam! – Rhythm Workshops for Children and Families

Join this summer’s workshop with performance artists from “Tararam!”. Come and experience body drumming and entertaining percussion instruments, where everyone creates a common rhythm especially composed by Doron Rafaeli for this summer’s event. His tune for “Heenei- Ma-Tov-Ew-Mana’im” (“Look how good and how pleasant it is for us all..”) expresses a contemporary sound that […]
Beit Hatfutsot received TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence – 2nd year in a row!

We are proud to receive – again – TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is awarded to properties that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.
Beit Hatfutsot at the 35th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy
The 35th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy will be held in Jerusalem, 6-10 July 2015. Haim Ghiuzeli, Director of Databases at Beit Hatfutsot, will lecture on “New Developments at Beit Hatfutsoth” and “Visual Documentation of Jewish Soldiers in Foreign Armies”. Conference site: http://iajgs2015.org/
“My Family Story” – The 20th Anniversary Ceremony

My Family Story is one of Beit Hatfutsot’s most innovative flagship programs. Young participants in Israel and worldwide Jewish communities, embark on a meaningful, personal, and experiential, multigenerational Jewish heritage project. Through personal research and inspiring creativity the students produce an art display illustrating their families’ roots and connection to the greater story of the […]
My Family Story – Projects Exhibition

Throughout the Jewish world, students research and write their roots and heritage stories. This marks a milestone moment in the lives of young Jewish students in Israel and around the world when they are challenged for the first time to find their own personal and unique story that emphasizes their Jewish identity. My Family Story program, led by The International […]
The Many Faces of the “G2G: Generation to Generation” Program – 2015

The Many Faces of the “G2G: Generation to Generation” Program 2015 The annual conference and ceremony summarizing the 2015 activities of the G2G: Generation to Generation program was recently held at Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People. It was conducted under the theme: The Many Faces of the G2G Program. 450 groups […]
A Gala Evening in Vienna by Friends of Beit Hatfutsot Austria

Last Thursday Friends of Beit Hatfutsot Austria (chaired by Dr. Joanna Nittenberg) as well guests from Israel, the United States and Europe gathered in the stunning Palais Schönburg in Vienna for a gala evening. The event was attended by Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of the Republic of Austria, H.E. Mr. Zvi Heifetz, Israeli Ambassador to […]
The Construction of the new Wing is Launching!

Construction of the new wing, which will include the Synagogue Hall and new exhibition galleries has started. The new wing is slated to open in the Spring of 2016.
Calling All Creators! – Jewish Artists on the Edge

This is a call for contemporary artists, to submit ideas for an interactive artistic display in the center lobby of Beit Hatfutsot-The Museum of the Jewish People. As the museum undergoes a major design and content renewal, we invite artists to create a temporary artistic concept on a large white wall that stands at the […]
Style and Heritage Celebrated by Beit Hatfutsot at Legendary Maskit Fashion House

A morning of fashion and heritage was recently organized by “The Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot”. This creative event, geared at leading businesswomen in Israel, was a celebration of Israeli fashion, culture and art. It was held at the new location of Israeli fashion house Maskit, originally established in 1954 by Ruth Dayan. Currently on […]
Colleagues Visiting: Distinguished Guests from the Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Prof. Dariusz Stola, director of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, and Ms. Lucja Koch, head of the education department, visited Beit Hatfutsot on Sunday, 15.3. They were hosted by chief curator Dr. Orit Shaham Gover, who introduced to them the plans for the new Core Exhibition, and visited Beit Hatfutsot exhibitions.
In Memoriam – Erna De-Shalit Z”L
It is with deep regret that Beit Hatfutsot mourns the passing of Erna De-Shalit, a true and dedicated friend of the museum, and sends condolences to all the family. The generous donation that Erna De-Shalit and family granted to Beit Hatfutsot enabled the upgrade and enrichment of the museum’s database of Jewish Family Names, which […]
Israelis and Jewish Peoplehood – A Conference
“Israelis and Jewish Peoplehood” was the topic of the conference that drew 250 people to Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People to discuss the theory and the practice of Jewish Peoplehood in the context of Israeli society. The conference was organized by the “International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies at Beit Hatfutsot” […]
200 Years of the Leslau Family

In an emotional ceremony held at Beit Hatfutsot on February 10th, 2015, the Leslau family tree was added to Beit Hatfutsot’s database. Attending the ceremony were the siblings of the Leslau family: Etty, Yitzhak, Chana and Ziporah, as well as Beit Hatfutsot’s CEO Dan Tadmor, Director of Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot, Irit Admoni Perlman […]
Members of the German Bundestag Visit Beit Hatfutsot

Mrs. Petra Pau, Vice President of the Bundestag, Germany, accepted the invitation of Enia Zeevi Kupfer, Director of the European Desk of Beit Hatfutsot to visit the Museum on their next visit to Israel. Mrs. Pau, joined by her Parliamentarian aides, arrived on February 17th, and received a firsthand explanation by Beit Hatfutsot CEO, Dan […]
World Purim Album – upload your photos!

This upcoming PURIM, do not forget to upload your funny costumes photos onto our Purim site: http://purim.bh.org.il/
Drum ’n’ Dress Museum Night

A stunning avant-garde night of music and fashion, Drum ‘n Dress, is yet another example of highly successful event planned by and geared for the international young adults visitors to the Museum. Vlada Poltoratska from the Ukraine and Iva Balavajderova from the Czech Republic, both ISJPS (International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies) interns, had every […]
Beit Hatfutsot hosts The International Women’s Club (IWC)

Thirty members of the International Women’s Club (IWC) recently visited Beit Hatfutsot. Members include spouses of diplomats serving in Israel, of CEO’s of foreign companies, of Israeli diplomats serving overseas, and leading women in society. The head of the forum is Ms. Yvette Trubowitch. Among the guests was Cathrine d’Elzius Cornet, wife of the Belgium […]
ALBER ELBAZ VISITS BEIT HATFUTSOT

Fashion designer Alber Elbaz, who designed the “wings gown” especially for the “Dream Weavers” exhibition at Beit Hatfutsit, visited the museum. “I made a gown for the wedding day, which carries such a deep symbolic meaning for the Jewish bride.
Michal Shapira – The Amy Winehouse Tribute

Michal Shapira and “The Gentlemen” – a tribute to Amy Winehouse (Wednesday, 24.12) Photos: Efi Yosefi
Exhibition Opening – Dream Weavers

Walking into the opening of the latest new exhibition, “Dream Weavers: From Jewish Tailors to Top Fashion Designers”, one might have mistaken this event at Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv, for Paris, Milan, New York or any other international fashion hub across the globe. Some of the guests may have initially appeared to be “competing” […]
Family Tree of the Jewish Community of Zakynthos

Mr. Shmuel Gani dedicated himself to building the family trees of the Jewish families of Zakynthos (Zante), Greece. There were less than 300 Jews on this island before the start of WW2. The Jews of Zakynthos were protected by the local Greek authorities and escaped deportation and murder by the Germans. The family trees built […]
WATCH: The Making of the Exhibition “Amy Winehouse – a Family Portrait”
The 2014 Annual Meeting of Beit Hatfutsot Board of Governors

On 19-20 October Beit Hatfutsot hosted the 2014 Annual Meeting of its Board of Governors. The Annual Meeting included workshops, lectures and festive events, including a panel with Amb. Dennis Ross and Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror about strategic challenges facing the Jewish People, a benefit at the Amy Winehouse – A Family Portrait exhibition hosted […]
Extended visiting hours starting on November 19
Starting November 19, visiting hours will be temporarily expanded: Sunday-Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Amy Winehouse – Exhibition Opening

The Israel Friends of Beit Hatfutsot had the privilege to hold the opening night of the exhibition “Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait”, which was held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the International Board of Governors of Beit Hatfutsot. The event was hosted by Reuven Adler, the chairman of the Israel Friends of Beit […]
A new synagogue model – the “Turnertemple” from Vienna

New Synagogue Model introduced to Beit Hatfutsot’s worldly collection Beit Hatfutsot held a festive evening on the occasion of the addition of the new synagogue model, the Turner Temple of Vienna, to its admired and unique collection. Turner Temple was inaugurated in Vienna in 1871 by the Sechshaus congregation; it was a symbol of […]
A Cultural ‘Island Of Sanity’ – Hilary Larson’s article in The Jewish Week
The complex story of Jews worldwide is the focus at Beit Hafutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People, which is undergoing a major renewal project at its Tel Aviv campus. By the end of 2014, Jews everywhere will be able to explore their genealogical and communal roots through BH’s online database — one way […]
Beit Hatfutsot Annual Report – 2013
On any given day, The Museum of the Jewish People is alive with the sights and sounds of people encountering new aspects of the Jewish experience. These people – of all ages and backgrounds – discover and create the many different stories that constitute our collective past, present and future – our peoplehood. Whether it […]
“The State of Israel and the Jewish communities around the world are two sides of the same coin of the Jewish people”
Guest post by Mariana Herrera & Dina Ergas Guez Since the beginning of the operation Protective Edge (which seeks to restore calm in southern Israel) we have witnessed the ways in which a significant portion of society that ignores the history of the creation of the State of Israel and the current state of […]
An Interview with Irina Nevzlin Kogan / Barry Davies, The Jerusalem Post
The Jerusalem Post Magazine 27 6 14 – cover story iterview with Irina Nevzlin Kogan The impressive Irina Nevziin Kogan takes up leadership of Beit Hatfutsot and its all-embracing new museum, making the Jewish people’s history and future accessible to all [READ MORE]
“History is About the Future”: Malcolm I. Hoenlein Visited Beit Hatfutsot

“History is About the Future”: Malcolm I. Hoenlein, CEO/Executive VP of the Conference of Presidents presents to Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People Dr. Meir Schwartz’s Book, “Pogrom Night 1938″ Chronicling the Events of Kristallnacht in Germany Beit Hatfutsot had the honor and privilege to host Malcolm I.Hoenlein, CEO/Executive Vice Chairperson of the Conference of Presidents […]
42 Worldwide Jewish Students Win International Heritage Prize – “My Family Story” Awards Ceremony

Hundreds of kids and their families, representing dozens of countries, packed the museum to participate in a fun-filled, multi-cultural encounter that celebrated this year’s My Family Story competition and exhibit opening. My Family Story developed by the International School for Jewish People Studies at Beit Hatfutsot (ISJPS), enables each student and family to value the […]
Homemade Halva Cake for Shavuot

Chef Meir Alalof of Tel-Aviv’s renowned “Messa” restaurant offered an exotic halva cake recipe for Shavuot: “My family came to Israel from Egypt and Turkey, as did halva. It is a traditional Turkish confectionary, and it is also well known in Arab cuisine: in Arabic “halva” means “sweet” or “desserts” “. Dough: 1 kg all-purpose […]
President Shimon Peres Lays the Cornerstone for the New Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot

Read Shimon Peres’ speech – click here Beit Hatfutsot welcomed Israel’s President Shimon Peres for a special event to lay the cornerstone for the new Museum of the Jewish People. The museum is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation, and the laying of the cornerstone marked an important milestone in the process of its renewal. Approximately […]
Irina Nevzlin Kogan condemned the brutal attack on the Jewish Museum of Belgium
Irina Nevzlin Kogan, Chair of the Board of Directors of Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People, in Tel Aviv, condemned Saturday’s brutal attack on the Jewish Museum of Belgium, which left four dead. Nevzlin Kogan wrote to the museum’s President, Philippe Blondin, to “offer her sympathies and support at this difficult time.” […]
Congregation Shearith Israel – Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue 360th Anniversary
Congregation Shearith Israel in New York, with which Beit Hatfutsot is enjoying profound partnership, celebrated its 360th anniversary. Beit Hatfutsot’s cooperation with the oldest Jewish congregation in America, will be reinforced with the renewal of The Museum of the Jewish People Core Exhibition at Beit Hatfutsot, to which the congregation has contributed artifacts and knowledge. “We are proud […]
Romain Gary’s 100th Birthday
“To renew myself, to relive, to be someone else, was always the great temptation of my existence”. Romain Gary Today is the birthday of Romain Gary, born Romain Kacew
Chaja Gravina – A Surprising Discovery in the “My Family Story” Project
When Franco Anza, a pupil attending the “Tarbut” school in Mexico, began preparation of his roots project this year, in the framework of “My Family Story” at Beit Hatfutsot, he already had a family tree. His sister, Valentina, had prepared it two years ago using My Heritage software, which Beit Hatfutsot recommends to participants of […]
“The Success of the Storytellers” by Mordechai (Max) Shatner
In his new book Mordechai (Max) Shatner, Israeli philosopher and artificial intelligence expert, suggests a fresh explanation of the famous Jewish success secret. Apparently, the ancient Jewish art of creating stories is the main source of Jews’ phenomenal success. The diversity of Jewish success led the author to the conclusion that it depends on some […]
The Mighty Don and His Descendants
These days in 1492 were fateful and busy for Don Isaac Abrabanel. This prominent philosopher, statesman and financier left nothing undone to convince Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon to revoke the Alhambra decree. But despite all his efforts, including a huge bribe he offered the monarchs, the Edict of Expulsion went public, and […]
A Glimpse on Ukrainian Jewry
Now, when the Crimea on everyone’s lips, let’s recall that in 1921 the young Soviet regime had plans to establish a Jewish republic in the peninsula. Actually it was a brilliant idea: the Jewish agricultural settlements, pioneered by “Ha-Halutz” and other Jewish groups, were very efficient; and the American Joint Distribution Committee was willing to pay and […]
Beit Hatfutsot and Wizo graduates are “Zooming” into the Israeli reality

The term “melting pot” was used by David Ben Gurion during the early 1950’s. It means creating an Israeli society with an unified identity which, back then, meant Ashkenazi, educated, secular and progressive. Has the “Old Man’s” vision been realised? “Forging the Melting Pot” is a joint project of the Wizo Academic Center Haifa […]
Pesach Celebrations Worldwide – Happy Passover!

Dear friends, The Beit Hatfutsot team wishes the entire Jewish people a Happy Passover! Pesach is a time of great promise and renewal when we retell a glorious part of the Jewish history and celebrate our freedom. It is also a strong, cohesive force within the Jewish community and culture. Enjoy the pictures of the Pesach […]
11 Photos – Tel Aviv’s 105 Anniversary

Following are 11 beautiful photos of views in Tel Aviv from Beit Hatfutsot photo collections:
Tommy Hilfiger Visited Beit Hatfutsot
Tommy Hilfiger was very impressed with the creative work of the Shenkar students at Beit Hatfutsot’s exhibition “Here Comes the Bride”. He was also happy to meet young and fashionable Tel-Aviv audience to talk about his professional secrets and unmatched life experience.
Audience is Moved by old Films from Hârlâu, Romania
After an evening dedicated to Romanian Jewry, which included a selection of films from Beit Hatfutsot collections, and a fascinating lecture about Jewish-Romanian roots and family names, we received the most touching letter from Ruti Solomon from Zichron Ya’acov: “I was surprised and moved to tears, and I will treasure this evening in my heart […]
Dov Seidman’s Lecture, March 26th 2014
“Our world is being dramatically reshaped. The rules of the past no longer apply. In the 21st century, it’s no longer what you do that matters most but HOW you do it,” – with this strong statement our special guest Mr. Dov Seidman began his fascinating lecture at Beit Hatfutsot. Named one of the “Top […]
Beit Hatfutsot Receives a $10 Million Contribution

The Maltz Family Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, established by Milton Maltz and his wife Tamar, and Ambassador Alfred Moses and his family, have committed a pair of gifts of $5 million each for a combined $10 million to Beit Hatfutsot, The Museum of the Jewish People. The Maltzs are no strangers to […]
Special Interactive Project – the Worldwide Purim Album

Hundreds of online visitors joined the Beit Hatfutsot’s special interactive project – the Worldwide Purim Album. Dear friends, we invite you to upload funny Purim photos from your family archive. Together we will create an unforgettable celebration that spans both time and distance. Purim Sameach!
New Exhibition: Dreyfus – The Story of a French Jewish Family
While the anti-Semitism in France is escalating, and the Jewish community in France is seeing an unprecedented exodus, Beit Hatfutsot – the Museum of the Jewish people opens the exhibition “Dreyfus – The Story of a French Jewish Family”.
10 Fascinating Purim Costumes from Diverse Countries and Periods
Enjoy 10 Purim photographs from the Bernard H. and Miriam Oster Visual Documentation Center at Beit Hatfutsot. HAPPY PURIM!
A Course on Biblical Characters’ Cultural Representations
If you could talk to any biblical figure, who would you choose? And what would you say? This imaginary dialogue with our ancestors is evolving not only in the Jewish culture, but wherever the Bible was read and taught. The archetypal power of the biblical characters is enormous, and still extremely vivid and even popular […]
Meet Irina Nevzlin Kogan, Chair of BH Board of Directors
Meet Irina Nevzlin Kogan, the elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People. She came to the Board in July, 2012 following five years as president of the NADAV Foundation where she was responsible for overall strategic management of the foundation, which focuses on Jewish Peoplehood […]
Orit Shaham Gover – BH Chief Curator
Orit Shaham Gover was appointed chief curator of Beit Hatfutsot two years ago. She is the director of the new core exhibition, slated to open in 2 stages: The Synagogue Hall, scheduled to open in summer 2015 and the new museum in 2017. Orit is well acquainted with the existing core exhibition, ever since the […]
Meet Medy Shvide – Project Director of the new BH core exhibition
Medy Shvide is the Project Director of the new core exhibition at The Museum of the Jewish People. Medy has extensive experience in managing art-related projects, in the public and private sectors.
Exhibition Opening – Cuba: An Island Within an Island
We were glad to welcome hundreds of our old and new friends at the festive opening of “An Island within an Island”. People mingled and laughed, had mojitos, cameras flashed, – all set to the beautiful sounds of authentic Cuban mambo, salsa and conga. The Beit Hatfutsot’s guests had attended a first look at the […]
Please meet Dan Tadmor, the CEO of Beit Hatfutsot
Gary Rosenblatt interviewed Dan Tadmor for “The Jewish Week”: Dan left a distinguished career in Israeli media — 20 years as an editor and manager at the daily Yedioth Achronot, followed by several years as a television executive — to become the CEO a year ago of Beit Hatfutsot: the Museum of the Jewish People. […]
International Holocaust Day – Remains from a pipe organ from BH collections displayed at the MIM in Phoenix
The remains of an organ pipe found in 1950 by Hans Hirschberg in the ruins of the Neue Synagoge on Oranienburger Strasse, Berlin, are now on display at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The entire collection of Hans Hirschberg was generously donated to Beit Hatfutsot by his sister Mrs. Lilli Fliess, in his memory. The […]
The New Core Exhibition
Beit Hatfutsot – the museum of the Jewish people in Tel Aviv is undergoing a comprehensive renewal program which will culminate with the opening of the Synagogue Hall in 2015 and the new museum in 2018. This renewal program reflects essential changes in Jewish and Israeli culture and society, as well as world-wide advances in museum […]
Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand and her husband James Brolin paid a private visit to Beit Hatfutsot yesterday (19/6/13) and were welcomed by Irina Nevzlin Kogan (Chair of the Board of Directors) and Dan Tadmor (CEO).