Founders

The idea for establishing The Center was at the initiative of Mordechai Ben-Porat. It came about as the result of the 1971 Or-Yehuda Council decision to allocate lots for creating community centers dedicated to various Jewish Diaspora communities. In 1973, the idea was solidified by government ministers, Knesset members, and public figures. In 1977, The Academic Council and The Research Institute were founded and the research infrastructure of The Museum began to take place in a room on HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv.

The infrastructure included a library, archives and collections. In 1980, construction of The Center’s building in Or-Yehuda was completed and all activities were transferred to it.

Passover, 1988, The Museum of Babylonian Jewry was opened with a large event attended by the President of Israel, Mr. Chaim Herzog.

Names of Founders (1973)

Mordechai Ben-Porat

Shlomo Hillel

Yechezkel Kazaz

David Fattal

Oved Ben-Ozer

Shimon Ben-Yaakov

Shaul Sehayek