Philistine Painted Pottery Jug (Center). From the time of David & Goliath

Teddy Kollek was elected the mayor of Jerusalem in 1965 and served in that office for the next 28 years. Teddy was the city’s mayor when it was unified in 1967 after the Six-Day War. Mayor Kollek was concerned not only how the city united geographically, but socially as well. He worked diligently towards bridging the gaps between the varied ethnic and religious populations of Jerusalem. He recognized the Arab sector’s needs within the Jewish capital and worked diligently to address them. Similarly, he respected the religious values of the ultra-orthodox community, but continually resisted any attempt at religious coercion in city affairs. His overtures to the minority groups, particularly the Arab residents of Jerusalem, at times alienated many of his constituents. But ultimately Kollek’s openness and tolerance earned him the respect, admiration, and love of the citizens of Jerusalem.

I attended numerous meetings in Jerusalem with Teddy Kollek, both at the mayor’s office as well as in numerous other venues. He was always charming, attentive, and engaging. One always had the feeling after meeting with Teddy, that he understood and valued your insights and perspective.

Mayor Kollek’s office in Jerusalem was covered, wall-to-wall, with ancient maps of Jerusalem that were sent to him by admirers from around the world. Teddy was indeed an avid collector of antiquities, which he felt gave tangible witness to the history of Israel and his beloved Jerusalem.

He had a deep understanding of the history of his country and the artifacts that were produced there during the last 4,000 years. He was the founder and director of the Israel Museum, the national museum complex which today houses the largest collection in Israel of ancient art, as well as fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Teddy was often seen walking the streets of Jerusalem, visiting antiquities dealers in the Old City as well as in West Jerusalem. He had a keen eye and his large collection of antiquities comprising exceptionally fine examples of ancient art. His office and home, like those of many collectors, were filled with his prized possessions. Mayor Kollek often initialed the underside of an antiquity that he purchased with his famed “T.K.” After his leaving the mayoralty in 1993, Teddy sold much of his beloved antiquities collection, wanting his fellow citizens to enjoy the beautiful pieces as well. I was able to purchase a number of his ancient maps, which had hung for years in the office of the mayor, that bear his signature both in Hebrew and in English. I proudly own many artifacts which bear his “T.K.” initials.

Mayor Theodor “Teddy” Kollek passed away in January, 2007 at the age of 95. He will be remembered by the world as the person who shepherded the transition of Jerusalem from a Middle Eastern backwater with a glorious past to a world capital of culture and politics. He will be remembered by me as a kind and charismatic man who was happily willing to share with me his love and knowledge about collecting ancient art.

Written by Stepehn Beiner Stephen Beiner and his wife Judith are the owners of Griffin Gallery Ancient Art.

Griffin Gallery specializes in museum quality Ancient Art. Our holdings include over five hundred authentic artifacts and reflect a spectrum of the cultures of Antiquity. Among our treasures are pieces from Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Far East, the Near East, the Holy Land, Pre-Columbian cultures, and pre historic Native America.

Griffin Gallery Ancient Art. At Gallery Center, 608 Banyan Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431 - 561.994.0811, fax: 561.994.1855 - www.griffingallery.net - Griffingallery18@yahoo.com