A remarkable photographic exhibition focusing on the lives and Eastern Europe-Jewish roots of two giants of modern Israel, Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres, was presented as part of a special closed reception that took place Thursday evening at UJA-Federation of NY and will soon be open to the public at another (to be announced) venue. The event was co-hosted by Limmud FSU and UJA-Federation of NY.

“From Vilna Street, Vishneyeva to President’s Street, Jerusalem,” showcases the life and career of Israeli President Shimon Peres, and was curated by Yoram Dori, senior advisor to President Peres and a member of the Limmud FSU International Steering Committee. “Milestones – From Brest-Litovsk to the Prime Minister’s Office,” tells the story of Begin’s life and career as commander of the pre-state Irgun, as the sixth prime minister of the State of Israel, and as a Nobel Laureate. The exhibition on Begin was curated by Rami Shtivi.

The reception included a gallery tour of the exhibit with guest speaker Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N. Ron Prosor.