About Us

The American Friends of the Israel Museum (AFIM) was incorporated in New York State in 1968 at the initiative of Teddy Kollek, longtime mayor of Jerusalem, as the fundraising arm of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem (IMJ). AFIM obtained independent Federal tax exempt status in 1972 (Federal Tax I.D. No. 23-7182582). Since then, AFIM has raised $240 million in art and $360 million in cash, of which $80 million is in endowment funds, generating over two million dollars per year for both projects and the operating budget. Since 1972, AFIM has transferred over $268 million to the Museum for:

• Construction of buildings
• Exhibitions
• Art Acquisitions
• Educational and outreach programs
• Prizes and awards
• Training of curatorial staff and the operating budget
• Equipment and materials

AFIM holds annual social events in New York, Los Angeles and Palm Beach, raising the awareness of collectors nationwide to the existence of a viable home in Jerusalem for their precious works of art. Our annual Gala dinner has become one of the social events of the New York season. With each Gala and its accompanying Journal, AFIM has showcased a different Museum department and educated its guests as to the scope and quality of the Museum's collections. AFIM's annual events in Palm Beach and Los Angeles have also grown to be sell-out events.

AFIM has led the way for other support groups to grow and adapt its fundraising methods in 14 other countries. As a result, in any given year, there are now gala dinners, luncheons, auctions, concerts, exhibition openings and art weekends around the world. AFIM has brought groups to visit other Friends organizations throughout the world, resulting in an enthusiastic and dedicated international network of people committed to the support of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. With offices in both New York and Los Angeles, AFIM has an active and devoted Board of Directors (click to see list). Monique Birenbaum is the Executive Director. Leah Sugarman Siegel is Director of Development and Janna Fischer is West Coast Director.

CONTACT INFORMATION

500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2540

New York, NY 10110

Tel 212.997.5611

Fax 212.997.5536

E-Mail info@afimnyc.org

315 South Beverly Dr, Suite 214

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Tel 310.557.1061

Fax 310.557.1062

E-Mail imj@afimwest.org