With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Jerusalem Foundation President, Shai Doron
The Jerusalem Foundation family, Members of the Board of Directors and General Assembly, Donors and Friends from all over the world are devastated and shocked by the sudden passing of Jerusalem Foundation President, Shai Doron. He was a Jerusalemite, a man who loved people and was beloved by all those he met. He dedicated his life to Jerusalem and all of its residents. He is gone too soon and will be greatly missed.
Shai was a devoted servant of his beloved city. He believed in a shared city in which diversity is strength and all communities have the opportunity to thrive. He believed in leadership and building the next generation of young leaders. And he led by example, always the first to carry the message of hope that Jerusalem represents to people around the world and in his beloved hometown.
Shai has spent his life working for Jerusalem. First in Neveh Yaakov leading the local community center, then with legendary Mayor Teddy Kollek leading his office. In 1993 he took on the newly founded Tisch Zoological Gardens and turned it into the most visited site in all of Israel. He became President of the Jerusalem Foundation in 2018 and felt he had come full circle since his early days with Teddy.
He led the Jerusalem Foundation to great achievements and launched his vision for “Jerusalem 2030” which fostered communal strength, creative culture and future leadership. Under his leadership, the Jerusalem Foundation led numerous philanthropic projects in Jerusalem. He worked to advance shared society and to bridge the gaps between Jerusalem’s diverse communities and to provide equal opportunities for all.
Zvi Agmon, Chairman of the Jerusalem Foundation Board of Directors shared, “Shai Doron was the guiding pillar of the Jerusalem Foundation and the entire city. We will remember him as someone who devoted his life to seeing Jerusalem develop and flourish. His loss will be felt in all corners of the city.”
Imry Ben Ami, General Director of the Jerusalem Foundation added, “Shai Doron was an exceptional leader, with vision and love for the city and its people. His passing is a great loss for all of us. We will continue his mission and ensure his legacy.”
