Naftali Bezem was born in 1924 in Essen, Germany and immigrated to Israel in 1939 with Youth Aliya. After studying with Mordecai Ardon at the Bezalel School (1943-46) he taught there for a year. During the years 1949-51 he stayed in Paris and painted.
He is best known for his magnificent murals as well as his sculptured walls and stained glass windows in many public and private places around the world. His largest work is the ceiling of the main reception hall at the President’s residence in Jerusalem, Israel.
Bezem had many one person exhibitions, in Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Tel Aviv Museum, the Haifa Museum and more. His work is included in international group exhibitions all around the world.