Worldwide supporters and leaders of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem gathered in Florence, Italy, earlier this month to delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by the arts institution.
Discussions spanned current activities and future plans—notably, the museum’s 60th-anniversary celebrations next year, and explored potential avenues for bolstering efforts during these challenging times for Israel and the world at large.
Representatives from seven countries, including Maureen Cogan of the American Friends of the Israel Museum, participated in the meetings.
Suzanne Landau, the museum’s acting director, who presided over the discussions, said that “our new mission statement, which will guide us as we move forward together, is that the Israel Museum—as the country’s preeminent cultural institution and a museum of international standing—strives to engage and inspire, to play a role in Israeli society and to convey the spirit of its time.”
She continued, saying that “we aim for excellence and innovation in collecting, conservation, research and education. Accordingly, our overriding goal is to connect the public with our unique holdings of original objects of material culture, and local and international art, as well as bringing new developments to the fore.”
During their time in Florence, the group was hosted by the rabbi of the Florence Jewish congregation on a visit to the city’s awe-inspiring synagogue, where images of the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza are prominently displayed. The experience provided a poignant backdrop to the discussions, echoing the significance of the museum’s mission in the current climate.
