The Cat is Out of the “Bag” (Crate)

The cat is out of the bag, or should we say the crate. The monumental bronze sculpture named the “Lion of Judah” was installed in the heart of Jerusalem on May 5. The 11-foot-long and 1123 pound statue is located in Bloomfield Park between the Old City and New Jerusalem right behind the King David Hotel, in sight of Mount Zion and the Jaffa Gate, a project that has been ongoing for the past 14 years.

Giving a lion sculpture to ISRAEL was the dream of American artist, Max Greiner, Jr. and his wife, Sherry who gave the gift as an eternal symbol of friendship and love between Christians and the people of Israel and sculpted to honor the God of Israel.

“My goal with this realistic, yet stylized lion composition was to visually communicate majesty, dignity, strength and courage, while also expressing shalom. I prayed to the God of ISRAEL that He would help me sculpt the lion’s face so it conveyed wisdom and authority, but also love and peace. I sculpted the original carving out of clay, patterned after the largest lion that ever lived. Then, I increased the size 5% for God! My art foundry, EAGLE BRONZE, also donated their profits on this project because the Christian owners, Monte and Beverly Paddleford, love ISRAEL too,” said Greiner.

Deputy Mayor Nahoum said, “The Lion of Judah is the symbol of the strength and glory of the City of Jerusalem. We are honored to accept this wonderful gift symbolizing another strength and that is the friendship between the evangelical community and the Jewish people. We thank the artist Max Greiner for this beautiful initiative that will stand forever in our capital city as a sign of love, friendship and mutual appreciation.”