We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alan G. Hassenfeld z’l, former Chairman of the Jerusalem Foundation, Inc. Alan was a renowned philanthropist and former CEO of Hasbro Inc. toy company. His family has a long history of a deep commitment to Jerusalem and Israel. His parents were both supporters of the early State of Israel and friends of legendary Mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek. Alan and his mother, Sylvia, helped Teddy establish the Merrill Hassenfeld Amphitheater in Sultan’s Pool, in memory of his father, in 1981.
Alan founded the Hassenfeld Family Foundation and continued to support many Jerusalem projects as he also led the Jerusalem Foundation, Inc. in the United States as Chairman for more than 25 years.
Alan and the Hassenfeld Family established the Hassenfeld Community Center in Kiryat Yovel and the Hassenfeld Youth Center in Wadi Joz. He personally spearheaded the establishment of Teddy Park in 2013, honoring the memory of Teddy Kollek in Mitchell Parks and Gardens, as a destination for inspiration, alongside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. He created the Hassenfeld Family Fountain that brings joy to children from all over Jerusalem and beyond.
He also established the Hassenfeld Family Initiative, a nonprofit organization that focuses on women and children’s rights and safety globally. He cared deeply about people all around the world while also caring particularly for the community of his home state of Rhode Island and the people of Jerusalem.
He will be deeply missed.