National Library of Israel

From a humble room on B’nai B’rith Street to this architectural marvel, the National Library of Israel’s journey is truly remarkable. The National Library of Israel began its life in 1892 as the Midrash Abarbanel Library. It was Jerusalem’s first free public library, a project of the B’nai B’rith. Its mission was to gather the “treasures of Jewish literature.” The library quickly became a cultural hub. It received a major boost when Dr. Joseph Chasanowich donated his 10,000-volume collection. This transformed the Midrash Abarbanel into a substantial institution. With the birth of the Hebrew University in 1925, the library relocated to Mount Scopus. It was renamed the Jewish National and University Library (JNUL). Its mission expanded significantly. During the 1947-48 War of Independence, access to Mount Scopus was severed. The JNUL’s collection was secretly transported and housed in various buildings throughout Jerusalem. It remained the nation’s central collection. In 1960, the JNUL found a home in the Lady Davis Building on the Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus. It served the nation, the Jewish people, and the university for over six decades. The Knesset passed the National Library Law in 2007, officially establishing the National Library of Israel. This marked a shift in focus. The library’s purpose is to collect and preserve knowledge, heritage, and culture, emphasizing the Land of Israel, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people. The National Library of Israel moved into its new building in 2023. Located between the Knesset and the Israel Museum, this architectural icon embodies openness and accessibility. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the building welcomes visitors from around the world to explore its invaluable treasures. Today, the National Library of Israel houses over five million volumes. It holds the world’s largest collection of Hebraica and Judaica. Here, you’ll find handwritten works by Maimonides and Isaac Newton, exquisite Islamic manuscripts from the 9th century, and personal archives of cultural figures like Martin Buber and Naomi Shemer. The National Library of Israel is more than just a library. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of knowledge, heritage, and culture.