Why is Suzanne Muchnic writing about the Israel Museum in the Los Angeles Times? Well, it turns out the two places share a number of donors:

There are as many differences as similarities between the two institutions, but one fundamental thing they share is L.A.-based donors. Among them is the late Max Palevsky, a computer industry pioneer who donated a major Arts and Crafts collection to LACMA and founded the Israel Museum’s design department. Philanthropist and collector Eli Broad, who bankrolled the Broad Contemporary Art Museum at LACMA, is also a longtime supporter of the Israel Museum.

Real estate developer Paul Amir and his wife, Herta, veteran members of LACMA’s Collectors’ Committee, have a strong commitment to Israel. They were major donors to a restoration of the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem and their names will be on the new wing of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in recognition of their lead gift.

LACMA trustee Andrew Hauptman, who chairs Andell Holdings, a private investment firm, with his wife, Ellen, became involved with the Israel Museum through Ellen’s family. Her grandfather, Samuel Bronfman, founder of Seagram Company Ltd., launched the archeology wing of the Israel Museum.

The LACMA-Israel Museum Connection (Culture Monster/LA Times)