This museum is inspired by the life
and leadership of Menachem
Begin, a former Israeli Prime
Minister and Nobel
Peace Prize winner. Harry Hurwitz, Begin's longtime
friend, is responsible for the creation of the center.
The architecture of the heritage center
is actually designed to represent Begin's own character.
The structure itself is modestly built and has an air
of dignity, just as Begin did.
The center displays Menachem Begin's
research in the form of original documents and photographs.
The structure was also built atop an archaeological
site and a replication of the findings are exhibited
in the museum. Also in the center are conference rooms,
a café, an auditorium, and even a small synagogue.
A small replica of the Knesset has been built so as to educate students on the legal
processes of the Israeli government.
The main goal of the center is to serve
as an educational outlet for young people. It is meant
to help bring about strong and passionate Israeli leaders.
This mission is also inspired by Begin's own work and
his personal philosophies.
On March 28, 1998, the Knesset of Israel
passed the Menachem Begin Commemoration Law as an official
state memorial project. The law established a Center
that would preserve the achievements and legacy of Menachem
Begin and serve as a Research Institute of the Struggle
for the Independence of Israel and its future security
and development.
The Menachem Begin Heritage Center
is a living memorial and the nation’s tribute
to a courageous fighter and fearless leader who worked
for the freedom, future and security of the Jewish People
in its own land. The Center is being built on the Hinnom
Ridge, overlooking the Old
City of Jerusalem. One of the most important archeological
sites in Israel lies behind the Center. In one of the
burial caves was found the silver scroll pendant containing
the Biblical Priestly Blessing in ancient Hebrew script.
Menachem Begin, 1913-1992, filled many
leadership roles in his life as a Pre-War Zionist Youth
Leader, Prisoner of Zion, Commander of the Irgun
Zvai Leumi, Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition,
Minister in the first Government of National Unity,
Sixth Prime Minister of Israel and Noble Peace Prize
awardee. As Prime Minister, 1977-1983, Begin was engaged
in Israel’s defense and security, settlement of
the Land of Israel, Project Renewal, Ethiopian
immigration, the Soviet
Jewry struggle and achieving peace with Egypt among other agenda items.
The Begin Center includes the following
units and departments: an Archives; Research Institute;
Museum; 300-seat auditorium; exhibit gallery; Bible
Study Learning Center and Synagogue; Junior Knesset
Educational Unit; Library as well as study rooms, seminar
facilities and other conference features.
The museum, based on the cutting-edge
of modern technological advance, is designed by Uri
Shaviv and curated by Orit Gover. It creates an intellectual
and emotional experience for the visitors through use
of films, recordings and graphic employment of documents,
posters and even the original furniture from the Begins'
Rosenbaum Street apartment in Tel
Aviv. Begin's story, from Brisk to Vilna,
from Betar to the Irgun, from opposition to government, is related
in a riveting but instructive manner.
The Center also contains the White
Nights dairy restaurant and coffee shop.
The Center is open for groups and individuals
through prior reservation Sunday, Monday, Wednesday
and Thursday, 9:00 – 16:30,
Tuesday 9:00 – 19:00, Friday
and Holiday Eve 9:00 – 12:00. For further information:
[email protected] or (972)
(0)2 5652020