The bears come to Jerusalem!

Bears exhibition \"United Buddy Bears\" in Safra Square Ð August 1-30 The largest bear\'s exhibition ever, with the contribution of 133 countries, the statues were designed by world renowned artists. Since 2002, the ÒUnited Buddy BearsÒ have been presented in as many as 11 exhibitions on 4 continents, including Berlin, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, Vienna and Cairo. This summer it is in Jerusalem and will continue its world tour to Addis-Abeba, Beijing, Buenos-Aires and further on. The 133 bears represent the 133 countries in the UN, under the title of \"Art of Tolerance\". The Bears\' raised open arms are the symbol of friendship and optimism. The purpose of the exhibition is to allow the visitors to know their fellow countries, learning to live in peace and understanding together. In order to create an international project with a message of unification, local artists designed the bears drawing their country\'s characteristics into attention Ð its culture, history, people, view, music etc. The circle of bears changes in each country, taking into consideration the local conditions but also the request of the hosting country. For example, in Jerusalem the Israeli bear is standing beside the Iranian and the Iraqian bears, in order to send a message of tolerance and o peace. The target of the project is not only to raise awareness, but also taking action, at the center of which I raising money for children in need. Donations and auctions of bears around the globe made profit of more than 1.1 Million USD for UNISEF and other local organizations for children. Following the huge success of the exhibition and the money collected, new bears were created to form a new circle of bears. Let the bears take you to a journey around the world.Photo By Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye