Tel Aviv


The modern city of Tel-Aviv in Israel was established in 1909 on sand dunes right next to the old city of Jaffa. The name Tel Aviv is derived from the word Tel (a mound of ancient ruins) and Aviv (spring), connoting emergence and rejuvenation. In 1911 Meir Dizengoff was appointed Mayor and remained in that position until he died in 1936.

After his death, his home was donated to the city to be used as a museum, and on May 14th, 1948, it was in this building that David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Today, named Independence Hall, it houses exhibits on the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the history of Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

During the First World War, most Jews were expelled from Tel Aviv and Jaffa by the Turks and could only return to their homes after the war, under the British Mandate. After the Jordanian occupation of Jerusalem in 1948, government offices were set up temporarily in Tel Aviv until 1967, when Jerusalem was re-unified.

The growth of the city soon outpaced the neighboring ancient Port City of Jaffa, and in 1950 Tel Aviv and Jaffa merged, forming the municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo. In 2003 Tel Aviv, also called the White City (comprising the world’s largest amount of Bauhaus-style buildings– more than 5000), was designated a Unesco World Heritage site.

Today Tel Aviv is a bustling metropolis and often referred to as “The City that Never Sleeps,” It is without a doubt where the action is. Visitors will find clean white beaches and warm sea, interesting shops, and many Cafés and Restaurants to suit all tastes.

There are many places of interest in and around Tel Aviv –Yafo that will satisfy visitors no matter what their interests. A wide variety of hotels, self-catering, and B&B’s are available to suit all budgets.

Places to visit include the Museum of the Diaspora, Old Jaffa, and the Museum of Art.