Jerusalem Municipality honored Zev Birger as a Yakir Yerushalayim ("Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem") in recognition of the many years he worked to promote culture, the economy and tourism in Jerusalem. He was also honored by the governments of Germany and Lithuania. In his eulogy, the British author Ian McEwan, who was awarded the prestigious Jerusalem Prize in 2011, said: "He saw how low humanity could sink, and then he rose and gave so much. He was an indestructible spirit and an example to all mankind. Not only Jerusalem or Israel but the whole world that loves culture and friendship will feel this loss keenly." Similarly, the Japanese author Haruki Murakami, who was awarded the prestigious prize in 2009, wrote: "I heard the tragic news of Zev's death. I was so surprised and shocked. I have a beautiful memory of him, and am missing him truly." President Shimon Peres also eulogized Birger and wrote: "Only someone like Zev could have brought authors with international reputations to Jerusalem and make it into a literary capital." Death In June 2011, he died after being hospitalized in coma for ten days, as result of a head injury sustained in a traffic accident in Jerusalem. He is survived by the three sons, Doron, Oded and Gil, and eleven grandchildren. See also Sam Spiegel Film & Television School References The information in this article is based on that in its Hebrew equivalent. External links Lithuanian Jews Lithuanian emigrants to Mandatory Palestine Israeli people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent Kovno Ghetto inmates 1926 births 2011 deaths Road incident deaths in Israel