JerusaLens Exhibit on Display at Breman Museum
The Ammunition Hill Heritage Site’s exhibition will run through the end of 2024.
On Sept. 15, Atlanta philanthropists attended an exclusive showing of Ammunition Hill Heritage Site’s JerusaLENS exhibition, currently on display at The Breman Museum, while learning how Jewish National Fund-USA, a major supporter of Jerusalem’s famous battle site, Ammunition Hill, is aiding resilience and rebuilding efforts in the country’s north and south.
During the exhibit’s reception, gallery attendees heard from Ammunition Hill’s Alon Wald, a former elite Israel Defense Forces officer, who developed the idea for the photography challenge. Wald shared his personal connection to the heritage site – his father, Capt. Rami Wald, fought in the 55th Paratroopers Brigade in Jerusalem during the Six-Day War and was killed in action while leading the Paratroopers into Ammunition Hill – and discussed the success of the exhibit.
In February 2017, to commemorate the 50 years of Jerusalem’s reunification that followed the Six-Day War, Ammunition Hill launched JerusaLENS as an online photography challenge. The response was overwhelming, with more than 14,500 photos submitted from 84 countries, which was then narrowed down by international voters and a curatorial panel.
Now featuring 95 images of the historic Israeli city, JerusaLENS captures the essence and beauty of Jerusalem, a city of profound historical, religious, and cultural significance, through the lenses of photographers worldwide.
“When we launched the online challenge, I expected and believed it would engage people in a positive way,” said Wald. “Some of the governmental ministries we collaborated with were hesitant in the beginning, yet our appeal surpassed anything we could have imagined.”
Thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA, Ammunition Hill has evolved into an international landmark that presents the legacy of the liberation of Jerusalem and a must-see destination. The site now also features the Wall of Honor, with plaques that serve as tributes to the heroism and courage of Jewish soldiers who, throughout our history, have fought in defense of the countries in which they lived.
To date, hundreds of Atlantans have honored loved ones with plaques on the Wall, with dozens of vets from the city recognized on this sacred site for their service.
The event also featured remarks from the Consulate of Israel in Atlanta’s Chief Administrative Officer and Consul, as well as a special acknowledgement honoring Jeff and Mark Kaufman, Karen Kaufman Senft, and Barbara and Alan Kaplan for their contributions to Jewish National Fund-USA’s Fire & Rescue efforts in Israel.
“Jewish National Fund-USA views Israel as a land of opportunity, hope, peace, and constant growth,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Executive Director, Greater Atlanta, Beth Gluck. “Ammunition Hill is a shining example of Israel’s perseverance and resilience, and through JerusaLENS, we hope as many visitors as possible appreciate Jerusalem’s unique blend of historical importance, modern beauty, and bright future.”
The JerusaLENS exhibit will remain on view through the end of the calendar year. Tickets and further information can be found at thebreman.org. For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in Atlanta, visit jnf.org or contact Beth Gluck at BGluck@jnf.org or 404-236-8990 x851.
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