A Square Named After Morton Mandel Opens in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, November 20 — The city has officially inaugurated Morton Mandel Square, located next to the central bus station and the “Yitzhak Navon” high-speed railway station. The project marks the completion of a two-year renovation of the city’s main entrance area.

Morton Mandel (1921–2019) was a figure widely known and respected in Israel, even by those who never met him in person. An American Jewish billionaire, he and his brothers Jack and Joseph built one of the most influential philanthropic foundations in the world. In Israel, the Mandel Foundation has invested for decades in education, leadership, and social initiatives — from the Bezalel campus to the Mandel Leadership Institute, as well as dozens of schools and programs. Naming the square in his honor is more than a sign; it is a gesture of gratitude for his real and lasting contribution.

During the renovation, the square was expanded, landscaped, and equipped with new recreational zones. Pergolas, benches, upgraded lighting, and a public piano were installed on the site.

At the opening ceremony, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion noted that the project is part of a broader plan to revitalize the area and provide convenient, accessible public spaces.

The square is now open to visitors and is expected to become one of the key public points on the way to Jerusalem’s city center.