Send Page to a Friend Jewish Community Leaders React to the Death of Long-Time Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek (Boston, January 3, 2007) - Nancy K. Kaufman, Executive Director and James W. Segel, President of the Jewish Community Relations Council issued the following statement in response to the sad news regarding the death of Teddy Kollek, former Mayor of Jerusalem. "The Greater Boston Jewish community is deeply saddened by the passing of Teddy Kollek.  Mayor Kollek built Jerusalem into a world-class city which symbolized the best of Israel's culture and democracy.  Through times of war and peace, he helped to shape the capital into a place for all of Israel's citizens – Arabs and Jews – as well as for the three monotheistic religions – Christianity, Islam and Judaism.  We join with the citizens of Jerusalem who mourn the passing of this giant of a world leader." Myra Kraft, Chair of the Board of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, added, "Teddy Kollek was a giant of a person. During the war of Independence he traveled the globe building support for the transformation of Palestine into Israel.  His vision   created modern Jerusalem, the beautiful city as we know it, which became the spiritual heart of Israel.  My father had a special relationship with Teddy.  Robert and I have also worked with him and the Jerusalem Foundation on many wonderful projects for the city of Jerusalem. Teddy's dedication, commitment and energy will remain an inspiration to us all." Theodor Kollek served six terms as Mayor of Jerusalem from 1965 until 1993.  He was named after the father of the modern Zionist movement Theodor Herzl.  Mayor Kollek died at the age of 95.