David Mor’s winning photograph in the JerusaLens competition. Photo: David Mor via Jewish National Fund.

JNS.org – The Jewish National Fund (JNF) announced the winners of its JerusaLens Jerusalem photo contest, held in honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Israeli capital’s reunification.

Participation in the competition saw 2.4 million people around the world cast public votes, the organization reported. The massive global involvement nearly surpassed participation in a similar photo contest held by the city of London.

After receiving more than 14,500 photo submissions from more than 70 countries, the “Top Photographer” title and a $5,000 grand prize were awarded to David Mor from Ramat Gan, Israel. Dalia Rajuan, from the Israeli city of Kiryat Ono, received the prize for “Top Photo,” and Ariel Lavanon, a veteran of the 1967 Six-Day War, earned the “Guru’s Top Pick” designation.

“I want to extend my thanks to each and every participant who shared their unique images of Jerusalem with the world. This historic photo challenge has showcased the beauty, diversity and rich history of our city,” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said.

“For centuries, civilizations around the world have looked toward Jerusalem as the center of the world,” said JNF National President Jeffrey E. Levine. “This is all the more evident with the thousands of unique pictures we received displaying the myriad nationalities, religions and creeds that this city of Gold represents.”