On 11 April 1909 – 100 years ago today – 66 families gathered on the sand dunes on the beach outside Yafo to allocate, by seashell lottery, plots of land for a new neighborhood they called Ahuzat Bayit. On 21 May 1910 its name was changed to Tel Aviv – the title of Nahum Sokolow’s translation of Theodor Herzl’s novel Altneuland, though Tel Abiyb (mound of green growth) is mentioned in Ezekiel 3:15. In the past century Tel Aviv, the first modern Hebrew city, has expanded and flourished to become Israel’s business and cultural centre. Having developed a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere combining Mediterranean and urban elements, it is by far Israel’s most creative, liberal and tolerant city. The City of Tel Aviv-Yafo (they amalgamated in 1950) is celebrating its centenary with a wide array of events throughout 2009 – including outdoor festivals, art shows, sporting events, historic exhibitions and 15 major renovation projects. Also commemorative events are being held in cities around the world, including re-creation of Tel Aviv beaches in Central Park and along the banks of the Seine, the Danube and Copenhagen’s canals. ‘One hundred years later, the vision of our city’s founders – who looked at the sand dunes and saw the potential for a vibrant city – has been realised,’ said Mayor Ron Huldai. ‘Tel Aviv-Yafo is a thriving global city that 400,000 residents are proud to call home.’ On your 100th birthday I salute you, Tel Aviv. May you prosper forever.
3 weeks ago
