Date: 05.27.10

Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, awarded Mrs. Batya Borowski, Founder and Chairman of the Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem, the highest honor to be given by the city of Jerusalem - "Guardian of the City of Jerusalem". Barkat surprised Borowski when he awarded her the title during the Museum's 18th anniversary gala celebrations on Thursday, May 27, which were held in the Museum's beautiful biblical garden

The city council assembly on May 27 voted unanimously to grant Batya Borowski this award. This is the first occasion in his term of office that Mayor Barkat has awarded the title "Guardian of the City of Jerusalem". The Mayor was delighted to personally present the award to Borowski on this special evening honoring her 80th birthday. Upon announcing the title, the hundreds of guests participating in the Gala dinner applauded Borowski on her outstanding accomplishments.

During his speech Barkat said that the award was bestowed upon Borowski, who founded the Museum with her late husband Dr. Elie Borowski, in recognition of her generous contribution to expose and exhibit the glorious past of Jerusalem, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel. He further stated that the Bible Lands Museum continues to be a 'drawing card' for all lovers of Jerusalem and the Jewish people who want to learn about our great history. Barkat complimented Borowski on her hard work, wished her many more successful years and added that "the people of Jerusalem will always treasure her benefactions for the State of Israel, the people of Israel and the Capital of Israel".

In receiving this award, Batya Borowski joins her late husband Dr. Elie Borowski who was the last person to receive the title of "Guardian of the City of Jerusalem" 12 years ago from Ehud Olmert, during his tenure as Mayor of Jerusalem.

During the spectacular evening, marking Borowski's 80th birthday, there was a premier screening of a film documenting Borowski's life-long work, which included greetings from public figures. Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, praised Borowski on her diligence and commitment to the Museum which he said "has become a vital part of Israel's culture landscape and has rightfully taken its place among Israel's leading cultural and educational institutions". Netanyahu also emphasized that the connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel is an important subject, and added "if you want to understand the extent and depth of this connection, read the Bible. If you want to understand the Bible even more come to the Bible Lands Museum".