Teddy Kollek was already a heroic figure when I was a small. He was a member of that legendary generation of Jews involved in the founding of the State of Israel, whose lives are humbling for most of us. Kollek was formed in the maelstrom of pre-war Mitteleuropa Vienna, and--exceptionally--became a Zionist activist of unparalleled vitality. By all accounts he never quite learned Hebrew, but accomplished more daring escapades than seems possible: from gun-running to dealing with Adolf Eichmann for the release of Jewish children.
There is a pain I feel on hearing of his death, as it is not hyperbole to say that the like of these men will not return.
Read his New York Times obituary here. Read Tom Segev of Ha'aretz here. May his memory be a blessing.
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