In a country still emerging from two years of war, the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem (MOTJ) opened its doors this week to an unlikely but powerful force for unity: chess.
The Jerusalem Masters—Israel’s premier rapid-chess competition—brought together 12 top players from around the world, including five members of the Israeli national team, five international grandmasters, and the two winners of last week’s Jerusalem Open. Scheduled from November 30 to December 3, the Masters is the second stage of the Jerusalem Chess Festival and one of the most ambitious chess events ever held in Israel.
Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand headlined the tournament and was joined by the highest-ranked Indian, Arjun Erigaisi, along with Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi, former World Cup winner Peter Svidler, and Vladimir Fedoseev. Anand last played in Jerusalem in 2018 in an exhibition simul alongside former World Champion Anatoly Karpov as part of Israel’s 70th-anniversary celebrations.
For Dr. Zvika Barkai, Chairman of the Israel Chess Federation, hosting the Masters in Jerusalem was intentional, as he worked closely with Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion to hold the event in the country’s capital.
The choice of MOTJ reflected the organizers’ desire for a meaningful and impressive setting. “We needed a place that would fit the players and impress people from around the world. We looked for an awe-inspiring setting that can bring people together,” Barkai explained.
As such, MOTJ, with its open walls and abundant light, offered an ideal setting designed to counter political tension by fostering an environment of dialogue and calm. Jonathan Riss, Managing Director of MOTJ, highlighted the connection between the event and the institution’s mission: “This landmark event strengthens the Museum’s role as a vibrant center for international gatherings and initiatives in the field. We are honored to host events that advance excellence, bring communities together, and nurture respectful dialogue—values that define our mission. We congratulate the winners and thank all the participants who took part in the competition.”
The tournament drew global attention. Hundreds of thousands of viewers followed the games online, including from countries that typically avoid participating in Israeli events. “When it comes to chess, they are our friends. They don’t care about politics,” Barkai said.
The Jerusalem Open, held last week, drew 450 competitors from 38 countries, with the top two finishers qualifying for the Masters. The Masters itself featured a $140,000 prize fund, part of a total festival pool of $170,000, including contributions from private donors. Barkai noted that bringing the Open winners into the Masters made the competition even more intense. “The fact that we brought the winners from the Open to play here made the tournament a big battle,” he said.
The tournament also provided a crucial competitive opportunity for Israeli players, who have faced barriers in international events. In September 2025, seven Israeli players were initially banned from the Basque Country Sestao Open in Spain and prevented from playing under their national flag. Although the decision was later overturned following backlash and a FIDE warning, the incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by Israeli players in global competitions.
Gil Borochovsky, CEO of the Israel Chess Federation, emphasized the cultural dimension of the event: “Beyond the sporting value, this is an extraordinary cultural celebration where thousands of viewers and chess enthusiasts will experience the connection between the holy city, the intellectual game, and the message of tolerance.”
Organizers said the festival offers professional opportunities for Israeli players while fostering international engagement through chess. The Federation hopes to establish the event as a permanent Jerusalem tradition.
Written in collaboration with Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem