The Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem is marking its tenth anniversary with the launch of a new and unprecedented exhibition in Israel, placing visitors at the center of an unusual encounter: an interactive press conference with Israel’s prime ministers of the past and present, recreated through advanced hologram technology.
At the heart of the exhibit, titled “The Press Conference,” appear lifelike holograms of David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Menachem Begin, Ariel Sharon, and Benjamin Netanyahu. During the experience, the prime ministers deliver statements and respond to questions from the audience using their original voices, creating an immersive encounter that blends history, technology, and public discourse in a way not previously seen in Israel.
Daniel Voiczek, Chief Executive Officer of the Friends of Zion Museum, said: “This new exhibit, launched as part of the museum’s tenth anniversary, is unique and the first of its kind in Israel. It is suitable for students of all ages, soldiers, families, and anyone who feels a connection to values, history, and the Israeli spirit.” He added: “I invite residents from across the country, as well as the many tourists visiting Israel, to come to the museum, experience the new exhibit, and become part of our story.”
How Does the Press Conference Exhibit Fit Into the Museum Experience?
The Press Conference exhibit is the latest addition to the museum’s immersive tour, which includes seven additional multimedia installations telling the stories of non-Jewish supporters of Zionism and the establishment of the State of Israel. These narratives trace a long arc of commitment and action, from biblical promises through key historical periods to the present day.
Among the exhibits are “The Promised Land,” which uses advanced technology to take visitors back in time through historical maps, “The Founders,” focusing on Christian Zionist visionaries, and “Lights in the Darkness,” which tells the stories of Righteous Among the Nations who risked their lives to save Jews during history’s darkest chapters. The tour culminates with the visual finale “The Story of the Promise,” connecting biblical figures with modern-era heroes who believed in those ancient commitments.
Located in the Nachalat Shiva neighborhood in Jerusalem, the Friends of Zion Museum is a historical and experiential center that combines sound, visual effects, and cutting-edge multimedia technology to illuminate the stories of non-Jewish figures who acted to support the Jewish people and the founding of the State of Israel. Admission is free for reserve soldiers and members of the security forces, with advance reservation required.
