Theodor 'Teddy' Kollek was a prominent Israeli politician and Zionist leader, best known for serving as mayor of Jerusalem from 1965 to 1993. Born on May 27, 1911, in Nagy-Vázsony, Hungary, he grew up in Vienna, Austria, where he became active in Zionist youth movements. In 1934, he immigrated to Palestine, helping establish Kibbutz Ein Gev. During the pre-World War II period, he played a key role in international Zionist activities, including efforts to rescue Jews from Nazi persecution. His early career involved work with the Jewish Agency and connections to figures like David Ben-Gurion. As mayor of Jerusalem, Kollek oversaw the city's transformation following the 1967 Six-Day War, focusing on urban development, cultural preservation, and tourism. He was instrumental in developing the city's tourism and archaeological sites post-1967, spearheading projects like the restoration of archaeological sites, the construction of the Israel Museum, and the Jerusalem Cinematheque. Kollek's administration emphasized inclusivity across religious and ethnic lines, though it faced criticism for policies affecting Palestinian residents. A pragmatic and charismatic leader, he won multiple re-elections, serving nearly three decades until his retirement in 1993. Kollek remained active in public life post-mayoralty, advocating for peace and cultural initiatives until his death on January 2, 2007, in Jerusalem. His contributions to Zionism, urban planning, and interfaith dialogue earned him international recognition, cementing his status as one of Israel's most influential figures in municipal governance.