Van Leer Institutions
Strengthening inclusive societies through the human sciences and the arts.
Since 1949, the Van Leer family dedicated their wealth to building inclusive societies. Bernard and his son Oscar prioritised helping children to reach their full potential. Other members of the family established institutions in Israel to promote pluralism, civic engagement, and inclusion. Polly van Leer founded the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute and Wim and Lia Van Leer created the Jerusalem Film Center. Today, the Foundation supports both institutions through unrestricted grants.
The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute
The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute supports innovative interdisciplinary research in humanities and social sciences. It addresses global concerns with significance for Israeli society through four thematic clusters: Sacredness, Globalization, Science, and Israel in the Middle East. The institute also promotes gender equality and tackles challenges to liberal democracy. Its diverse staff and researchers foster civil discourse, connecting scholarship with civil society.
The Jerusalem Film Center
The Jerusalem Film Center prioritises artistic excellence, pluralism and connection to its local community. Its mission focuses on cultivating new cultural audiences, promoting exceptional cinema, and fostering intercultural understanding. It houses the renowned Jerusalem Cinematheque and the Israel Film Archive, which boasts the world’s largest collection of Jewish and Israeli cinema. Through film screenings, festivals, lectures, and workshops, the Center nurtures social responsibility and encourages public discourse on social values and democracy.
