Illustrator Judy Donner's Unique Record of Israel's Landmark Trials
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
An exhibition titled "There Are Judges in Jerusalem" features illustrations by Judy Donner, who pioneered courtroom art in Israel during the 1980s. Her work documented significant trials like that of Minister Aharon Abuhatzira and the Kahan Commission, capturing moments with figures such as Prime Minister Menachem Begin. The exhibition highlights Donner's unique role in visually recording historical events when photography was banned in Israeli courts. It runs until early November at the Jerusalem Theater.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- An exhibition showcases illustrations by Judy Donner, who pioneered courtroom art in Israel during the 1980s.
- Donner's work documented major trials, including that of Minister Aharon Abuhatzira and the Kahan Commission.
- Her illustrations captured figures like Prime Minister Menachem Begin, who reportedly called them "caricatures."
- Cameras were banned in Israeli courts at the time, making Donner's illustrations a crucial visual record.
- The exhibition "There Are Judges in Jerusalem" runs until early November at the Jerusalem Theater.
- Donner, now based in the US, maintains a strong connection to Israel and her time there.
A new exhibition, "There Are Judges in Jerusalem," at the Henry Crown Gallery in the Jerusalem Theater, showcases rare, real-time illustrations from some of Israel's most significant and publicized trials of the 1980s. The artwork is by Judy Donner, an American-Jewish illustrator who pioneered courtroom illustration in Israel.
Donner, who lived in Israel in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was commissioned by the Israel Broadcasting Authority to visually document the trial of Minister Aharon Abuhatzira, as cameras were prohibited in court. She recalled the unusual situation of being given a chair and freedom to move within the courtroom to capture moments of the dramatic proceedings. Her work also covered the Kahan Commission, established after the Sabra and Shatila massacres, where she illustrated key figures like Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, and Chief of Staff Raphael Eitan. Begin reportedly reacted to her presence by dismissively calling her drawings "caricatures."
Her illustrations also captured the trial of the Jewish Underground members in 1985 and the initial day of the John Demjanjuk trial in 1987, before television cameras were allowed in. Donner described the experience of illustrating the trials as a unique journalistic role, feeling she was recording important history. She noted the transition from black and white to color illustrations as Israeli television began broadcasting in color.
The exhibition was curated by Leah Greenspan-Hefetz, who discovered Donner's work and recognized its historical significance. The exhibition, featuring twenty original illustrations and digital works, runs until early November and was opened by former minister Dan Meridor, who testified before the Kahan Commission. Donner, who has since returned to the US, also illustrated Israeli children's books and worked for CNN covering the US Supreme Court before establishing her own business. She expressed her enduring connection to Israel, calling her decade there the most significant of her life.