To celebrate the man who has worn so many hats, a freedom fighter, refusnik, Israeli government official, Medal of Freedom recipient, and most recently, Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel, we were asked to create a tribute for Natan Sharansky that would be fitting for the last soviet prisoner to walk the ‘bridge of spies’.  Early on in the process of planning Natan’s retirement event, we were told to tone it down. “He would rather shine the light on others,” we were told. Yet, it was his tribute book we were to write and design. And the gala was going to be held at Cipriani in New York City- a far cry from the gulag, where Natan was imprisoned for nine years.

 

Once we landed on Natan’s infamous Israeli army hat (that we have helped to immortalize) as the symbol for the book, all else fell in place. A highlight was “ghost” writing tributes from mayors and dignitaries, throughout the world.   

The evening wrapped up with a chess match between Natan and Gary Kasparov, following a fireside chat with President George W. Bush.   Not one of the 600 guests left their tribute book behind- which was very satisfying (and why we only have one copy left).

 

Client: The Jewish Agency for Israel

Agency:  Shavrick & Partners