Benny Zelman was raised in "Little Tel-Aviv" of the 1940's, in the days before the founding of Israel. The small Jewish community in Palestine had to cope with Arab gangs, hostile British policemen, illegal immigration of refugees from a wartorn Europe, as well as the severe lack of material goods. The Nazi monster was raging through Europe and the community in Palestine was gripped with fear for their families and friends left behind. Despite these hardships, people were happy with their lives, and felt great hope about the building of the Jewish State.
Benny was raised with Zionist values: love of the land, service in combat units in the Israel Defense Forces and dedication to building the Jewish State.
He spent 18 colorful years in Venezuela and in 1983 returned to Israel with his wife, Inge and their children, Michel and Tamar.
During the time he divided between Israel and South America, he devoted a great deal of time and energy to acquiring art, especially from South America. His home in Kadima is a veritable museum of art.
