Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem
2010 – 2020 Summary Report

Who Are We?

Arousing curiosity, advancing understanding, and promoting excellence in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through hands-on, experiential exhibits and programs.

By presenting the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in an accessible and engaging way as an integral part of our daily lives, visitors are inspired not only to pursue studies in sciences and technology, but to excel in them. 

The museum’s activities focus mainly on the following:

  • Developing and producing interactive exhibitions and events that encourage visitor participation while advancing understanding of technological and engineering developments and scientific concepts.
  • Developing and conducting educational programs in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology for students and educators, both in the museum and in schools. Emphasis is placed on developing educational programs that encourage problem solving.
  • Promoting a philosophy of “thinking with your hands”- developing and fostering programs that encourage creativity and innovation, and that integrate the fields of science, technology, and crafting. Activities in the international MAKE spirit are held both within and outside the museum, and include diverse participants of all ages.

In a world in which big data reigns supreme, continually advancing technologies are creating an ever-changing fluid reality, the ability to learn becomes essential for the individual and society. Education can equip learners with agency and a sense of purpose, as well as provide the skills they need to shape their own lives and contribute to the lives of others. Learning to Learn is part of the educational framework that the OECD proposes in its position paper, The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030. The main questions posed are:

  • What knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values will today's students need to thrive and shape their world?
  • How can educational systems impart this knowledge and develop these skills, attitudes, and values effectively?

There is no one prescribed answer to these two fundamental questions. However, through the lens of learning as a life-long pursuit, it is clear that learning takes place though a continuum of methods and settings, including both formal and informal educational venues.

As an informal, educational, cultural body, the Museum plays a key role in generating awareness, understanding, and interest in diverse fields of STEM. It enables a consistent, low-pressure, immersive, and fun educational experience that combines different disciplines and appeals to all age groups. In this informal setting, STEM comes to life in a way that encourages curiosity and risk-taking and fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, all of which are essential when it comes to preparing learners for the future job market and adult civic life.

The realization of the vision of a science museum in Jerusalem was made possible thanks to the generous donation of the Bloomfield family of Canada, through the Jerusalem Foundation.  The Museum was established as a direct result of the special bond that existed between Bernard Bloomfield and the State of Israel, and with Teddy Kollek, the mayor of Jerusalem, and was brought to fruition by the strong leadership of Neri Bloomfield, who was steadfast in her commitment to the city of Jerusalem and the State of Israel.  Throughout the years, the Museum's activities have been supported by their children - Harry Bloomfield and Evelyn Bloomfield Schachter- who continue to follow their parents’ example and are leading supporters of Israel, working to strengthen the city of Jerusalem and to support science and technology education for children from every sector and community of Israel.

The museum team:

Maya Halevy, Director
Varda Gur-Ben Shitrit, Deputy-Director of Education & Content Development
Rony Ben-Chaim, Deputy-Director General, Operations & Projects

Education & Content Development team:

Dr. Amir Ben-Shalom, Director of Exhibit Development
Dr. Chagit Tishler, Head of Education
Eti Oron, Head of Content Development
Damon Shusterman, Curator and Content Developer
Elad Paz, Make & Technology Programs Manager
Samaher Hoseen, Arab Sector Coordinator
Naama Cohen, Guides, Ultra-Orthodox and After School Programs Coordinator
Omer Gaist, school and Community Coordinator
Shir Peri, Early Childhood & Equal Opportunities Coordinator
Hamutal Lotan, Young Scientists and Developers Competition and Youth Science Parliament Jerusalem Coordinator
Dr. Galia Zer Kavod, Director of Frontiers for Young Mind

Digital, Marketing & Communication Team:

Tammy Leviav, Director of New Media, Digital & Marketing
Etti Brind, Publicity, Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Noa Bloch, Graphic Designer
Saja Zidan, Digital Arabic Program Coordinator
Yael Maselton, Digital Programs and Content Development  Coordinator

Exhibits & Technical  Systems team:

Uri Sinai, Head  of Technical Team
Eyal Vogel, Industrial Designer
Baruch Unger, Lathe Machinist
Ginadi Yamlianov, Microelectronics Engineer
Shmuel Uliel, Electrician
Danny Shalem, Carpenter
Ronen Ben Zeev, Carpenter
Ori Kaufman, Industrial Designer & Make Lab Operator
Yossi Antokolitz, Senior Guide & Purchaser
Dimitry Polonsky, IT Manager
Samer  Asala, Technical Operation  Manager

Operation & Administration team:

Tair Nahum, Visitors Experience  Manager
Rama Menashe, Operations and Make Lab Manager
Miri Ohana, Programs Coordinator
Lidya Ben-David, office Manager
Atara Kroitser, Senior Bookkeeper

Members of the Executive Committee:

Chairman of the executive committee:

Mr. Shlomo Yanai, Chairman of the Board of Lumenis

Members of the executive committee:

Ms. Shafrira (Shafi) Belek, former director of the Company and Associations Unit and advisor to the president of the Hebrew University
Mr. Harry Bloomfield QC, President of the Eldee Foundation
Dr. Osnat Cohen, Director of the Hebrew Youth University, The Hebrew University
Dr. Alon Dumanis, CEO of Dumanis Group
Mr. Shay Doron, President of the Jerusalem Foundation
Mr. Ishai Fraenkel, Vice President and Director-General, The Hebrew University
Prof. Assaf Friedler, Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, The Hebrew University
Prof. Hanoch Gutfreund, Prof. of Physics, Rakah Institute of Physics, former president of the Hebrew University
Mr. Arie Mientkavich, CEO, AM Consulting
Prof. Ran Nathan, Director of the Minerva Center for Movement Ecology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Dr. Udi Spiegel, Director of Education Department, The Jerusalem Foundation
Ms. Anat Tzur, Director-General, The Jerusalem Foundation
Dr. Laura Wharton, Member of City Council, Jerusalem Municipality
Mr. Yoav Zimran, Deputy Director, Jerusalem Education Administration & Director of the Pedagogy and Special Care Department