The museum was built as a symbol of testimony and memory for thousands of non-Jews, who helped the Jewish people over the past generations, during the British Mandate, the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel.
The museum is the fruit of the dream and initiative of Dr. Mike Evans, who united and attached to his dream thousands of Israel-loving donors from all denominations in Christianity, who helped establish the museum in Jerusalem.
The museum exhibits describe the contribution of friends of Israel such as:
Former US President Harry Truman,
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill,
The relative of the former US president, George Bush, Prof. George Bush,
Lord Wingate, as well as followers of the nations of the world such as Oskar Schindler,
Raul Wallenberg and the ten Boom family, who risked their lives and the lives of their families, for the sake of saving persecuted Jews around the world.
The former president, the late Shimon Peres, said,
The Talmud teaches us that
"Whoever saves one soul is as if he saved the whole world"
The brave men and women, followers of the nations of the world, are not the heroes of the past.
They are also relevant today, when Israel is under the shadow of the Iranian threat.
We all owe them not only our existence here - but the right of the entire world thanks to the moral behavior of the followers of the nations of the world.
Throughout history, our people have enjoyed the support of many people from all over the world - they are the stars in the dark sky of the diaspora and they shine and shine.
Mike, your vision came true today. Your support and the support of your family is now engraved on the stone slabs of the museum and on our heart's slab.
This place will become a friendship center like no other or before it.
A place where everyone's prayers will be offered to remind us
that each of us was created in the image of "God".
The Friends of Israel Museum is an experiential tourist site that combines all the senses and includes installations and displays in 3D technology, using unique technological elements, the most advanced of their kind in the world, including a unique sound-light technological development, developed especially for the place.
The site has dozens of rotating exhibits, and it is built in a gradual manner,
in a four-story building.
In the construction of the museum, emphasis was placed on the play of light and shadow, visual lighting, three-dimensional construction of maps and exhibits and special lighting means,
who glorify the experience of the visit.
The museum project from the planning stage to construction, on its various exhibits,
Made entirely in blue and white work and employed in it
Over 150 Israeli artists and professionals.
And I, as one of those artists, was privileged to create the stained glass windows in the cafeteria.
The stained glass windows convey friendship, our friend's love for Israel
And our citizens of Israel.
I left with a strong feeling of pride in my native country.
How we started a beacon for revival and built a glorious country with our own hands.
A country that if we are all determined to be proud and united we will go even further.
Despite all the difficulties and enemies around us, we must see the glass as half full, unite and minimize the difficulties.
If only for these reasons I again strongly recommend visiting the museum.
These feelings and more accompanied me during the planning and creation of the stained glass windows and are expressed in the work.
A small moment for illustration: at the end of the installation of the stained glass, he approached me
Initiator and thinker of the museum, according to which he started an American thing
More than 2 meters high, he bent down to me and we hugged, both beaming with happiness.
People in the know told me that nothing like this had ever happened to tough Mike. Therefore, I probably have a warm corner and an attentive ear in the company that built the museum.
post Scriptum. Unfortunately, the museum building is a conservation building, therefore it is not possible to change and make stained glass windows in the exterior windows. Because Mike wanted more....
andNow it's time for more stained glass windows: in a new wing added to the museum,
at the door,The whole world is a very narrow bridge...
And every observer should complete and sing in his heart with true intention.
The opening event took place at the beginning of November 2019.
Since then 2 windows have been added:Jerusalem is the center of the world, the center of the 3 religions.
and 2 windows:
credit To: Alona Lipshitz Architects.
Credit to: Disk In Pro - the firm that planned and carried out the entire project.
architect-
Founder - Dr. Mike Evans - Israel Friendship Fund