MembersExclusive: A Prime Collection

A rare and previously unseen collection of portraits of former Israeli prime ministers was exhibited at the Gallery on the Cliff in Netanya in June. This treasury of 80 original oil paintings is the private collection of Amos Aharoni.

“I wanted people to understand that the men and women who take public office are some of the best people we have in this nation,” Aharoni told Israel Today in an exclusive interview. “These are the men and women who helped build this country. Whether it’s Golda, Begin or Ehud Olmert, all these men and women got involved in politics because they wanted the best for this country.”

Aharoni believes that a collection of prime ministers’ portraits should be an integral part of our national heritage. “Art should impact the political arena,” Aharoni expounded. “Artistic expression can help us see the universal truths that we often miss in our day-to-day lives.”

Aharoni has been a close friend with a number of former prime ministers. He believes that Israelis are often too cynical and pessimistic about their leaders.  “I know...