Our Story
who we are
The Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem is a home for dialogue and fostering unity. We opened our doors to the public with the mission of leveraging the Jewish values below to create a bridge between individuals and groups in Israeli society.
A hub of tolerance
creating a better world with Jewish values
TRUST
Our visitors know that the information with which they’re presented is objective and honest.
Encouraging visitors to apply Jewish values to today’s modern challenges.
Curiosity
Demonstrating the power in giving people the benefit of the doubt, even during disagreements.
Judging Favorably
TRUST
Inspired by the ancient Beit Midrash (the ancient Jewish study hall), we encourage visitors to apply Jewish values to today’s modern challenges.
Curiosity
Judging Favorably
Instilling the value that self-improvement and tolerance come from within.
Personal Initiative
Inspired by the ancient Beit Midrash (the ancient Jewish study hall), we encourage visitors to apply Jewish values to today’s modern challenges.
Personal Initiative
Instilling the value that self-improvement and tolerance come from within.
founders
Larry A. Mizel
Board Chair
Rabbi Marvin Heir
Board Co-Chair
Jonathan Riss
Managing Director
Empathy
Teaching visitors to see themselves in the other and to see others in themselves.
Gratitude
Cultivating healthier relationships by demonstrating the power of being thankful.
Understanding that the quest for justice is never complete and we must continue to strive to be the best version of ourselves.
Longing for a Better Future
Empathy
Teaching visitors to see themselves in the other and to see others in themselves.
Gratitude
Cultivating healthier relationships by demonstrating the power of being thankful.
Embarking on a shared journey to make the world a better place.
Repairing the World
OUR BUILDING
Located in the heart of Jerusalem, the Museum’s campus offers a wide range of programs, exhibitions, displays, tours, events, and spaces for dialogue that cultivate closeness and build trust.
The interior architecture of the museum, inspired by the dove, represents the founders’ pursuit of peace and hope for a better future. The central monumental staircase symbolizes that tolerance and understanding arise from being an active listener and making a sincere effort to understand the perspectives of others. In times of polarization and social tension, the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem brings awareness, tools, and a commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), mutual responsibility, and respect to strengthen Israeli society.
The history
May 2004
Cornerstone laying ceremony
Hollywood megastar and former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Museum Co-Chairman, Rabbi Marvin Heir, in the Museum’s cornerstone laying ceremony.
2014
Museum breaks ground
After a long journey that began in 1993, the nearly $300 million facility begins construction nearly 21 years later
May 2023
Documenting Israel: Visions of 75 Years Opens
The Museum’s first temporary exhibit which documents the diverse array of faces that constitute 75 years of Israeli history is open to the public
May 2024
6:29 From Darkness to Light Opens
After Israel experiences its worst terror attack in history, the Museum opens its second temporary exhibit which provides harrowing first-person testimony from people on the ground in the immediate aftermath of October 7.
