31 Aug Original Drawing – Chaim Topol depicts Menachem Begin (2002)
Chaim Topol Draws Menachem Begin – A Fusion of Art, Leadership, and Israeli Heritage
This original signed drawing by Chaim Topol (1935–2023) of Menachem Begin (1913–1992) is more than a portrait — it is a meeting point between art, politics, and national identity.
Topol, celebrated worldwide for his unforgettable role as Tevye the Milkman in Fiddler on the Roof, was not only a beloved actor but also a humanitarian and artist deeply rooted in Israel’s story. Beyond the stage and screen, Topol dedicated much of his later life to philanthropy and to art. After gradually retiring from acting, he took up drawing with passion, creating an extraordinary series of portraits of Israel’s most influential figures. Among them were not only political leaders and cultural icons, but also Mossad officials and national security figures, reflecting the deep trust and respect he enjoyed in Israel’s highest circles. For Topol, this artistic project was part of his personal mission of giving back — a way to use his international stature and creative talents in service of Israeli memory and identity.
Menachem Begin, immortalized in this portrait, was one of Israel’s most iconic leaders. Born in 1913 in Brest-Litovsk, Begin’s life journey carried him from the Polish underground and Soviet imprisonment to the leadership of the Irgun in pre-state Israel. Later, as the founder of the Likud party and the country’s sixth Prime Minister, he became a symbol of steadfast dedication to Zionism, Jewish self-determination, and democracy. His crowning achievement came in 1979, when he signed the peace treaty with Egypt — the first between Israel and an Arab nation — an act of immense courage that earned him, together with President Anwar Sadat, the Nobel Peace Prize. Begin’s legacy is a blend of fierce ideological commitment and genuine personal warmth, making him one of the most respected statesmen in Israel’s history.
This drawing, dated 2002 and measuring 56×37 cm (22×14.6 inches), captures Begin with both gravitas and humanity. Topol’s hand brings together the precision of an illustrator with the sensibility of a performer who understood human expression at its deepest levels.
As such, the work stands as a rare artifact of Israeli memorabilia (ממורבליה ישראליאנה): it embodies the contributions of two giants — one in politics, the other in art and culture. For collectors, it is not merely an artwork, but a tangible link to Israel’s heritage, leadership, and creative spirit.
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