Events

The Jerusalem Foundation of Canada is pleased to present Jerusalem Defined, a group exhibition, following its inaugural Israeli exhibit in the fall, 2007. This travelling exhibition returns to Toronto on Monday, April 28^th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. as part of Contact, Toronto’s month long photography festival.

The gala opening and fundraiser,at the System 4 Gallery , 70 Wingold Ave,  combines the art exhibition with a silent auction, entertainment, celebrity guests and refreshments in celebration of Israel’s 60^th anniversary with proceeds targeted to the Peace Pre School in Jerusalem.

This exciting group show includes: an exclusive collection of 40 giclee prints on canvas based on photography by renowned Canadian artist, Gina Godfrey; as well as acclaimed documentary photographer Beverley Abramson's evocative study of coexisting cultures; and spiritual works by muralist Ian Leventhal in his inimitable Chagall-like style; and a large-scale painted installation by fabric artist Rochelle Rubinstein.

                                               THE JERUSALEM FOUNDATION

The late Mayor Teddy Kollek was the irrepressible champion of Jerusalem during nearly three-decades tenure as major who embraced a unified Jerusalem with a vision that Jews, Arabs and Christians could live together peacefully.  Under his leadership Jerusalem evolved from a parochial hilltop town to a modern metropolis of arts, tourism and numerous cultural landmarks were engineered during his decades in office. Kollek started The Jerusalem Foundation to raise money for the city, seeking to give it cultural weight to match its historical importance.

The artists pay tribute to Jerusalem and the 40^th anniversary of the Jerusalem Foundation in this dramatic show of its people, places and lifestyle.  It is fitting that the exhibition opens in Toronto at the brink of Israel’s 60^th anniversary.

                                                          THE PEACE PRESCHOOL

“Since we all laugh in the same language”, the proceeds of the Jerusalem Defined will go to the The Jerusalem International YMCA Peace Preschool. The Peace Preschool teaches love, growth and tolerance for ALL.

The easiest way to break down stereotypes and barriers is to begin at the earliest age. Learning together at the youngest age, Jewish and Arab children see what they have in common and not what separates them. 120 children between the ages of 2 and 5 are registered at “Gan Hashalom”.

There are 2 teachers in each kindergarten, one Hebrew speaking and on Arabic speaking. There are multi-cultural activities for children as well as families in Hebrew and Arabic, with special emphasis on Jewish, Islamic and Christian celebrations and festivals.

Tickets $60, to purchase contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca

For more information on the Jerusalem Foundation, contact 416 635 5491, jerusalemfoundationtoronto@rogers.com  or visit www.jerusalemfoundation.ca

Jerusalem Defined runs until May 31^st, 2008