Friends of Bezalel is dedicated to and represents the vision of its founders, Romie and Blanche Shapiro. Their vision and their commitment to that vision are the source and the inspiration of Friends of Bezalel.

Shapiros started Friends of Bezalel in 1977 along with their friends Sallie and Martin Blumenthal. They were already involved in Israel and the arts for many years. In 1942 Romie became Chairman of the American Friends of the Israel Museum and served as Treasurer and Board member. Since the founding of Friends of Bezalel Romie Shapiro has been its President, Chairman and Chairman Emeritus. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bezalel Academy itself.

For more than 30 years the Shapiros, avid art collectors, have been mainstays of the Friends of Bezalel as well as major contributors to Bezalel Academy. The Shapiros, both born in the UK, live in Manhattan. The Romie and Blanche Shapiro Department of Fine Arts at the Academy is named in their honor.

Blanche and Romie Shapiro both turned 100 in August 2009 and were honored with a proclamation by the Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat. Blanche Shapiro remains very much involved with Friends of Bezalel. She often hosts Friends' Board Meetings and attends the Galas. She is a major contributor to the organization.