Last Thursday, December 8, 2011, Sotheby's was abuzz with glitz and glamour, celebrating the centennial of Teddy Kollek's birth, the iconic Mayor of Jerusalem and founder of the Jerusalem Foundation.
Sotheby's auctioned off Israeli artists' works, including works by Marc Chagall, Reuven Rubin, Nachum Gutman and others.
The event was jointly sponsored by the Jerusalem Season of Culture (JSOC), a project of the Schusterman Foundation. Jerusalem's very first Season of Culture took place in 2011, to rave reviews and significant success.
Israel Museum Director James Snyder and Ms. Sylvia Hassenfeld, staunch supporter of Jerusalem,including renovation of the Sultan's Pool amphitheater received of the Builders of Jerusalem Award.
Jerusalem Foundation president Mark Sofer attended the Gala, his first visit to the U.S. since his appointment, acknowledged the important role culture has in Jerusalem. "Culture boots Jerusalem's economy," said Sofer. "This Gala promotes our cultural efforts that strengthens the city as an open, pluralistic and modern society with room for everyone."
Proceeds from the event, and from the auction will benefit artists in Jerusalem and the 2012 Season of Culture.
View pictures from the event here and here for press coverage.