Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv (Hebrew: ; Arabic: ) is the second most populous city in Israel and the

largest metropolitan area, with a population of 414,600 and 3,464,100 respectively.[1] It is located

on the Mediterranean coast in central-west Israel, within Gush Dan, Israel's largest metropolitan

area, containing 42% of Israel's population. It is also the largest and most populous city in Gush

Dan, which is collectively home to 3,464,100 residents.[2] The city is governed by the Tel Aviv-

Yafo municipality, headed by Ron Huldai. Residents of Tel Aviv are referred to as Tel

Avivim (singular: Tel Avivi).[3] As the United Nations and all other countries do not

recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Tel Aviv is home to many foreign embassies.[4]

Tel Aviv was founded by the Jewish community on the outskirts of the ancient port

city of Jaffa (Hebrew: Yafo;Arabic: Yf) in 1909. Jewish immigration meant that the

growth of Tel Aviv soon outpaced Jaffa, which had a majority Arab population at the time.[5] Tel

Aviv and Jaffa were merged into a single municipality in 1950, two years after the establishment

of the State of Israel. Tel Aviv's White City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003,

comprises the world's largest concentration of Bauhaus buildings.[6][7]

Tel Aviv is an economic hub, home to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, corporate offices

and research and developmentcenters.[8] It is the country's financial capital and a

major performing arts and business center.[9] Tel Aviv has thesecond-largest economy in the

Middle East after Dubai, and is the 31st most expensive city in the world.[10] With 2.5 million

international visitors annually, Tel Aviv is the fifth-most-visited city in the Middle East.[11][12] It is

known as "the city that never sleeps" and a "party capital" due to its lively nightlife, dynamic

atmosphere and famous 24-hour culture.[13][14]

Contents

[hide]

1 Etymology

2 History

o 2.1 Jaffa

o 2.2 Ahuzat Bayit

o 2.3 Under the British Mandate

o 2.4 After Israeli independence

2.4.1 ArabIsraeli conflict

3 Geography

o 3.1 Climate

4 Local government

o 4.1 Mayors

o 4.2 City council

5 Education

6 Demographics

o 6.1 Religion

o 6.2 Neighborhoods

7 Cityscape

o 7.1 Architecture

7.1.1 Bauhaus

o 7.2 High-rise construction and towers

8 Economy

9 Culture and contemporary life

o 9.1 Entertainment and performing arts

o 9.2 Tourism and recreation

o 9.3 Nightlife

o 9.4 Cuisine

o 9.5 LGBT culture

o 9.6 Fashion

o 9.7 Museums

o 9.8 Sports

o 9.9 Media

10 Environment and urban restoration

11 Transportation

o 11.1 Bus and taxi

o 11.2 Rail

o 11.3 Roads

o 11.4 Air

o 11.5 Light rail

o 11.6 Cycling

12 Twin towns and sister cities

13 Notable people born in Tel Aviv

14 References

15 Bibliography

16 External links

Etymology[edit]

Tel Aviv is the Hebrew title of Theodor Herzl

German by Nahum Sokolow. Sokolow had adopted the name of a

city of Babylon mentioned in Ezekiel

by the river Chebar, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven

days."[15] The name was chosen in 1910 from several suggestions, including "

found fitting as it embraced the idea of a renaissance in the ancient Jewish homeland.

Hebrew for "spring", symbolizing renewal, and

civilization built one over the other an

Theories vary about the etymology of Jaffa or

derives from yafah oryofi, Hebrew for "beautiful" or

of Noah, founded the city and that it was named after him.

History[edit] Jaffa[edit]

Old City of Jaffa Today

Port of Jaffa in 1906

Theodor Herzl's Altneuland ("Old New Land"), translated from

. Sokolow had adopted the name of a Mesopotamian

Ezekiel: "Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel Abib

, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven

The name was chosen in 1910 from several suggestions, including "

he idea of a renaissance in the ancient Jewish homeland.

Hebrew for "spring", symbolizing renewal, and tel is a man-made mound accumulating layers of

civilization built one over the other and symbolizing the ancient.[16]

Theories vary about the etymology of Jaffa or Yafo in Hebrew. Some believe that the name

, Hebrew for "beautiful" or "beauty". Another tradition is that

, founded the city and that it was named after him.[17]

("Old New Land"), translated from

Mesopotamian site near the

Tel Abib, that lived

, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven

The name was chosen in 1910 from several suggestions, including "Herzliya". It was

he idea of a renaissance in the ancient Jewish homeland. Aviv is

made mound accumulating layers of

in Hebrew. Some believe that the name

"beauty". Another tradition is that Japheth, son

Lottery for building plots in Tel Aviv, 1909

The ancient port of Jaffa changed hands many times in the course of history.Archeological

excavations from 1955 to 1974 unearthed towers and gates from theMiddle Bronze

Age.[18] Subsequent excavations, from 1997 onwards, helped date earlier discoveries.[18] They

also exposed sections of a packed-sandstone glacis and a massive brick wall, dating from

the Late Bronze Age, as well as a temple attributed to the Sea Peoples and dwellings from

the Iron Age.[18] Remnants of buildings from the Persian and Hellenistic periods were also

discovered.[18]

The city, Jaffa, is first mentioned in letters from 1470 BC that record its conquest by

Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III.[19] Jaffa is mentioned several times in the Bible, as the port from

which Jonah set sail for Tarshish;[20] as bordering on the territory of the Tribe of Dan;[21] and as

the Jaffa Portat which the wood for Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem arrived from

Lebanon.[22] Jaffa is also mentioned as the place where the Apostle Peter raised Tabitha and

visited Simon the Tanner.[23] According to some sources it has been a port for at least

4,000 years.[17]

In 1099, the Catholic armies of the First Crusade, led by Godfrey of Bouillon, occupied Jaffa,

which had been abandoned by the Muslims, fortified the town and improved its harbor.[24] As

the County of Jaffa, the town soon became important as the main sea supply route for

the Kingdom of Jerusalem.[25] Jaffa was captured by Saladin in 1192 but swiftly re-taken

by Richard the Lionheart, who added to its defenses.[26] In 1223, Emperor Frederick II added

further fortifications.[26] Crusader domination ended in 1268, when

the Mamluk Sultan Baibars captured the town, destroyed its harbor and razed its

fortifications.[26][27] In 1336, when a new Crusade was being planned, Al-Nasir Muhammad had

the harbor destroyed to prevent the Franks from landing there.[28] For the same reason, both the

town and the harbor were destroyed in 1345.[28] In the 16th century, Jaffa was conquered by

the Ottomans and was administered as a village in the Sanjak of Gaza.[27]

Napoleon besieged the city in 1799 and killed scores of inhabitants; a plague epidemic followed,

decimating the remaining population.[27] The surrendering garrison of several thousand Muslims

was massacred.[29]

Builder in Tel Aviv, 1920s

Jaffa began to grow as an urban center

in Istanbul intervened to guard the port and reduce at

the real expansion came during the 19th century, when the population grew from 2,500 in 1806 to

17,000 in 1886.[19]

From 1800 to 1870, many of Jaffa's old walls and towers were torn down to allow for

expansion.[30] The sea wall, 2.5 metres (8.2

built over during a renovation of the port by the

19th century, the city grew prosperous from trade, especially in silk and

Europe.[19] In the 1860s Jaffa's small

and small numbers of Ashkenazi Jews

The first Jews to settle outside of Jaffa, in the area of

These homes, built in 1881, later became the core of

Vineyard of the Yemenites"). In 1896 Yemenite Jews established homes at Mahane Yehuda, and

in 1904, Mahane Yossef. These neighbourhoods later became the Shabazi nei

During the 1880s, Ashkenazi immigration to Jaffa increased with the onset of the

new arrivals were motivated more by

engage in productive labor.[19] In keeping with their "pioneer

dunes north of Jaffa.[19] Between 1887 and 1899, Ashkenazi settlers constructed houses at

Tzedek[6] and in 1890 at Neve Shalom nearby.

Ahuzat Bayit[edit]

The Second Aliyah led to further expansion. In 1906, a group of Jews, among them residents of

Jaffa, followed the initiative of Akiva Aryeh Weiss

Bayit (lit. "homestead") society. The society's goal was to

healthy environment, planned according to the rules of aesthetics and modern hygiene."source] The urban planning for the new city was influenced by the

first 60 plots were purchased in Kerem Djebali near Jaffa by Jacobus Kann, a Dutch citizen, who

urban center in the early 18th century, when the Ottoman government

intervened to guard the port and reduce attacks by Bedouins and pirates.



, 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) high, remained intact until the 1930s, when it was

built over during a renovation of the port by the British Mandatory authorities.[30]

19th century, the city grew prosperous from trade, especially in silk and Jaffa oranges

In the 1860s Jaffa's small Sephardic community was joined by Jews from Morocco

Ashkenazi Jews.

The first Jews to settle outside of Jaffa, in the area of modern day Tel Aviv, were

These homes, built in 1881, later became the core of Kerem HaTeimanim (Hebrew


in 1904, Mahane Yossef. These neighbourhoods later became the Shabazi nei

During the 1880s, Ashkenazi immigration to Jaffa increased with the onset of the

new arrivals were motivated more by Zionism than religion and came to farm the land and

In keeping with their "pioneer" ideology, some settled in the sand

Between 1887 and 1899, Ashkenazi settlers constructed houses at

and in 1890 at Neve Shalom nearby.

led to further expansion. In 1906, a group of Jews, among them residents of

Akiva Aryeh Weiss and banded together to form the

(lit. "homestead") society. The society's goal was to form a "Hebrew urban centre in a

healthy environment, planned according to the rules of aesthetics and modern hygiene."

The urban planning for the new city was influenced by the Garden city movement


in the early 18th century, when the Ottoman government

tacks by Bedouins and pirates.[27] However,



ft) high, remained intact until the 1930s, when it was [30]During the mid-

Jaffa oranges, with

community was joined by Jews from Morocco

modern day Tel Aviv, were Yemenite Jews.

Hebrew for "the


in 1904, Mahane Yossef. These neighbourhoods later became the Shabazi neighbourhood.

During the 1880s, Ashkenazi immigration to Jaffa increased with the onset of the First Aliyah. The

than religion and came to farm the land and

" ideology, some settled in the sand

Between 1887 and 1899, Ashkenazi settlers constructed houses at Neve

led to further expansion. In 1906, a group of Jews, among them residents of

and banded together to form the Ahuzat

form a "Hebrew urban centre in a

healthy environment, planned according to the rules of aesthetics and modern hygiene."[19][unreliable

movement.[31] The


registered them in his name to circumvent the Turkish prohibiti

acquisition.[32] Meir Dizengoff, later Tel Aviv's first mayor, also joined the Ahuzat Bayi

society.[33][34] His vision for Tel Aviv involved peaceful co

Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium in 1936

On 11 April 1909, 66 Jewish families gathered on a desolate sand dune to parcel out the land by

lottery using seashells. This gathering is considered the official date of the establishment of Tel

Aviv. The lottery was organised by

society.[35][36] Weiss collected 120 sea shells on the beac

grey. The members' names were written on the white shells and the plot numbers on the grey

shells. A boy drew names from one box of shells and a girl drew plot numbers from the second

box. A photographer, Avraham Sosk

at this site (today Rothschild Boulevard, across from Dizengoff House).

year,Herzl, Ahad Ha'am, Yehuda Halevi

system was installed; and 66 houses (including some on six subdivided plots) were

completed.[31] At the end of Herzl Street, a plot was allocated for a new building for the

Hebrew High School, founded in

adopted.[31] Tel Aviv was planned as an i

boulevards, running water at each house and street lights.

By 1914, Tel Aviv had grown to more than 1 square kilometre (247 acres).

halted in 1917 when the Ottoman

published in The New York Times

Egypt described the Jaffa deportation of early April 1917. The orders of evacuation were aimed

chiefly at the Jewish population.

of the following year when, with the end of World War I and the defeat of the Ottomans, the

British took control of Palestine.

Under the British Mandate

registered them in his name to circumvent the Turkish prohibition on Jewish land

, later Tel Aviv's first mayor, also joined the Ahuzat Bayi

His vision for Tel Aviv involved peaceful co-existence with Arabs.

in 1936


s gathering is considered the official date of the establishment of Tel

Aviv. The lottery was organised by Akiva Aryeh Weiss, president of the building

Weiss collected 120 sea shells on the beach, half of them white and half of them



box. A photographer, Avraham Soskin, documented the event. The first water well was later dug

at this site (today Rothschild Boulevard, across from Dizengoff House).[37] Within a

Yehuda Halevi, Lilienblum, and Rothschild streets were built; a water

houses (including some on six subdivided plots) were

At the end of Herzl Street, a plot was allocated for a new building for the

, founded in Jaffa in 1906.[31] On 21 May 1910, the name Tel Aviv was

Tel Aviv was planned as an independent Hebrew city with wide streets and

boulevards, running water at each house and street lights.[38]

By 1914, Tel Aviv had grown to more than 1 square kilometre (247 acres).[31] However, growth

Ottoman authorities expelled the Jews of Jaffa and Tel Aviv

The New York Times by United States Consul Garrels in Alexandria,

described the Jaffa deportation of early April 1917. The orders of evacuation were aimed

chiefly at the Jewish population.[39] Jews were free to return to their homes in Tel Aviv at the end


British took control of Palestine.

British Mandate[edit]

on on Jewish land

, later Tel Aviv's first mayor, also joined the Ahuzat Bayit

existence with Arabs.[19][unreliable source]


s gathering is considered the official date of the establishment of Tel

, president of the building

h, half of them white and half of them



in, documented the event. The first water well was later dug

Within a

, and Rothschild streets were built; a water

houses (including some on six subdivided plots) were

At the end of Herzl Street, a plot was allocated for a new building for the Herzliya

On 21 May 1910, the name Tel Aviv was

ndependent Hebrew city with wide streets and

However, growth

expelled the Jews of Jaffa and Tel Aviv.[31] A report

Alexandria,

described the Jaffa deportation of early April 1917. The orders of evacuation were aimed

Jews were free to return to their homes in Tel Aviv at the end


Master plan for Tel Aviv by Patrick Geddes

The British pavilion in the Orient Fair

With increasing Jewish immigration duri

Jews in Palestine increased. On 1 May 1921, the

and 47 Jews and injuries to 146 Jews and 73 Arabs.

left Jaffa for Tel Aviv, increasing the population of Tel Aviv from 2,000 in 1920 to around 34,000

by 1925.[6][41]

Tel Aviv began to develop as a commercial center.

wired to electricity in Palestine, followed by Jaffa later in the same year

the Jaffa Electric Company powerhouse, on 10 June 1923, celebrated the lighting of the two main

streets of Tel Aviv.[42]

In 1925, the Scottish biologist, sociol

Geddes drew up a master plan

Dizengoff. This first plan for developing the northern part of the district was called "The Geddes

Plan",[19][unreliable source] whose core idea was the development of a

combining the best of urban and rural life.

River in the North and Ibn Gvirol

North.

Ben Gurion House was built in 1930

same time, Jewish cultural life was given a boost by the establishment of the Ohel Theater and

the decision of Habima Theatre

Patrick Geddes, 1925

Orient Fair, 1934

With increasing Jewish immigration during the British administration, friction between Arabs and

Jews in Palestine increased. On 1 May 1921, the Jaffa Riotsresulted in the deaths of 48 Arabs

and 47 Jews and injuries to 146 Jews and 73 Arabs.[40] In the wake of this violence, many Jews

Tel Aviv, increasing the population of Tel Aviv from 2,000 in 1920 to around 34,000

Tel Aviv began to develop as a commercial center.[31] In 1923, Tel Aviv was the first town to be

wired to electricity in Palestine, followed by Jaffa later in the same year. The opening ceremony of


In 1925, the Scottish biologist, sociologist, philanthropist and pioneering town planner

for Tel Aviv which was adopted by the city council led by

. This first plan for developing the northern part of the district was called "The Geddes

whose core idea was the development of a Garden City

combining the best of urban and rural life.[43] The boundaries used by Geddes, the

Ibn Gvirol Street in the East, are now the boundaries of Tel Aviv's

lt in 193031, part of a new worker's housing development. At the

same time, Jewish cultural life was given a boost by the establishment of the Ohel Theater and

abima Theatre to make Tel Aviv its permanent base in 1931.[31]

, friction between Arabs and

resulted in the deaths of 48 Arabs

In the wake of this violence, many Jews

Tel Aviv, increasing the population of Tel Aviv from 2,000 in 1920 to around 34,000

In 1923, Tel Aviv was the first town to be

. The opening ceremony of


ogist, philanthropist and pioneering town planner Patrick

which was adopted by the city council led by Meir

. This first plan for developing the northern part of the district was called "The Geddes

or "urban village,"

d by Geddes, the Yarkon

daries of Tel Aviv's Old

31, part of a new worker's housing development. At the

same time, Jewish cultural life was given a boost by the establishment of the Ohel Theater and [31]

Tel Aviv was granted municipal status in 1934.

the Fifth Aliyah after the Nazis came to power in Ger

Tel Aviv had risen to 150,000, compared to Jaffa's mainly

two years, it had reached 160,000, which was over a third of Palestine's total Jewish

population.[31] Many new Jewish immigrants to Palestine

Tel Aviv, turning the city into a center of urban life. Friction during the

the opening of a local Jewish port,

October 1965). Lydda Airport (later Ben Gurion Airport) and

1937 and 1938.[19][unreliable source]

Many German Jewish architects trained at the

Germany. Some, like architect Arieh Sharon

outlook of the Bauhaus as well as other similar schoo

recognized as the largest concentration of buildings in the

world.[6][19][unreliable source] Tel Aviv's

World Heritage Site in 2003. Tel Aviv was hit during the Italian

II. On 9 September 1940, 137 were killed in the bombing of Tel Aviv.

According to the 1947 UN Partition Plan

Aviv, by then a city of 230,000, was incl

population of 101,580 people, consisting of 53,930 Muslims, 30,820 Jews and 16,800

was designated as part of the Arab state. The Palestinian Arabs, however, rejected the

plan.[19][unreliable source] Between 1947 and 1948, tensions grew between Tel Aviv and Jaffa. When

fighting broke out, the Haganah

Jaffa.[19][unreliable source] Arab snipers were reported firing at Jews from the minarets of the

Bek Mosque. From April 1948, the

Jaffa had been captured by Jewish forces on 14 May, few Palestinian Arabs remained.source]

After Israeli independence

Crowd outside Dizengoff House (now

Independence in 1948

Tel Aviv was granted municipal status in 1934.[31] The Jewish population rose dramatically during

after the Nazis came to power in Germany.[31] By 1937 the Jewish population of

Tel Aviv had risen to 150,000, compared to Jaffa's mainly Palestinians 69,000


Many new Jewish immigrants to Palestine disembarked in Jaffa, and remained in

Tel Aviv, turning the city into a center of urban life. Friction during the 193639 Arab re

the opening of a local Jewish port, Tel Aviv Port, independent of Jaffa, in 1938, (it closed on 25

(later Ben Gurion Airport) and Sde Dov Airport opened between

architects trained at the Bauhaus, the Modernist school of architecture fled

Arieh Sharon, came to Palestine and adapted the architectural

outlook of the Bauhaus as well as other similar schools, to local conditions, creating what is

recognized as the largest concentration of buildings in the International Style in the

Tel Aviv's White City emerged in the 1930s, and became a

in 2003. Tel Aviv was hit during the Italian Bombing of Palestine in World War

. On 9 September 1940, 137 were killed in the bombing of Tel Aviv.[44]

1947 UN Partition Plan for dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, Tel

Aviv, by then a city of 230,000, was included in the new Jewish state. Jaffa with, as of 1945, a

population of 101,580 people, consisting of 53,930 Muslims, 30,820 Jews and 16,800


Between 1947 and 1948, tensions grew between Tel Aviv and Jaffa. When

Haganah and Irgun Jewish para-military forces laid virtual siege to

Arab snipers were reported firing at Jews from the minarets of the

From April 1948, the Palestinians residents of Jaffa were forced to flee. By the time

Jaffa had been captured by Jewish forces on 14 May, few Palestinian Arabs remained.

After Israeli independence[edit]

Crowd outside Dizengoff House (now Independence Hall) to hear declaration and signing of Israel's Declaration of

The Jewish population rose dramatically during

By 1937 the Jewish population of

69,000 residents. Within


disembarked in Jaffa, and remained in

39 Arab revolt, led to

, independent of Jaffa, in 1938, (it closed on 25

opened between

school of architecture fled

, came to Palestine and adapted the architectural

ls, to local conditions, creating what is

in the

emerged in the 1930s, and became a UNESCO

Bombing of Palestine in World War

for dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, Tel

. Jaffa with, as of 1945, a

population of 101,580 people, consisting of 53,930 Muslims, 30,820 Jews and 16,800 Christians,


Between 1947 and 1948, tensions grew between Tel Aviv and Jaffa. When

military forces laid virtual siege to

Arab snipers were reported firing at Jews from the minarets of theHassan

residents of Jaffa were forced to flee. By the time

Jaffa had been captured by Jewish forces on 14 May, few Palestinian Arabs remained.[19][unreliable

) to hear declaration and signing of Israel's Declaration of

When Israel declared Independence on 14 May 1948, the population of Tel Aviv was over

200,000.[1] Tel Aviv was the temporary government center of the State of Israel until the

government moved to Jerusalem in December 1949. Due to the international dispute over

the status of Jerusalem, most foreign embassies remained in or near Tel Aviv.[16] In the early

1980s, 13 embassies in Jerusalem moved to Tel Aviv as part of the UN's measures responding to

Israel's 1980 Jerusalem Law.[45] Today, all national embassies are in Tel Aviv or environs.[46] The

boundaries of Tel Aviv and Jaffa became a matter of contention between the Tel Aviv municipality

and the Israeli government in 1948.[47] The former wished to incorporate only the northern Jewish

suburbs of Jaffa, while the latter wanted a more complete unification.[47] The issue also had

international sensitivity, since the main part of Jaffa was in the Arab portion of the United Nations

Partition Plan, whereas Tel Aviv was not, and no armistice agreements had yet been

signed.[47] On 10 December 1948, the government announced the annexation to Tel Aviv of

Jaffa's Jewish suburbs, the Palestinian neighborhood of Abu Kabir, the Palestinian village

of Salama and some of its agricultural land, and the Jewish 'Hatikva' slum.[47] On 25 February

1949, the depopulated Palestinian village of al-Shaykh Muwannis was also annexed to Tel

Aviv.[47] On 18 May 1949, Manshiya and part of Jaffa's central zone were added, for the first time

including land that had been in the Arab portion of the UN partition plan.[47] The government voted

on the unification of Tel Aviv and Jaffa on 4 October 1949, but the decision was not implemented

until 24 April 1950 due to the opposition of Tel Aviv mayor Israel Rokach.[47] The name of the

unified city was Tel Aviv until 19 August 1950, when it was renamed Tel Aviv-Yafo in order to

preserve the historical name Jaffa.[47]

Tel Aviv thus grew to 42 square kilometers (16.2 sq mi). In 1949, a memorial to the 60 founders

of Tel Aviv was constructed.[48] Over the past 60 years, Tel Aviv has developed into a secular,

liberal-minded center with a vibrant nightlife and caf culture.[19][unreliable source]

In the 1960s, some of the older buildings were demolished, making way for the country's first

high-rises. The Shalom Meir Tower, which was completed in 1965. was Israel's tallest

building until 1999. Tel Aviv's population peaked in the early 1960s at 390,000, representing

16 percent of the country's total.[49] A long period of steady decline followed, however, and by the

late 1980s the city had an aging population of 317,000.[49] High property prices pushed families

out and deterred young people from moving in.[49] At this time, gentrification began in the poor

neighborhoods of southern Tel Aviv, and the old port in the north was renewed.[19][unreliable

source] New laws were introduced to protect Modernist buildings, and efforts to preserve them were

aided by UNESCO recognition of the Tel Aviv's White City as a world heritage site. In the early

1990s, the decline in population was reversed, partly due to the large wave of immigrants from

the former Soviet Union.[49] Tel Aviv also began to emerge as a high-tech center.[19][unreliable

source] The construction of many skyscrapers and high-tech office buildings followed. In 1993, Tel

Aviv was categorized as a world city.[50] The city is regarded as a strong candidate for global city

status.[9]

A Bauhaus street caf in Florentin, Tel Aviv.

In the Gulf War in 1991, Tel Aviv was attacked by

an Israeli military response, which could have destroyed the US

States pressured Israel not to retaliate, and after Israel acquiesced, the US

and Netherlands rushed Patriot missiles

ineffective. Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities continued to be hit by Scuds throughout the war, and

every city in the Tel Aviv area except for

the Iraqi attacks, mostly from suffocation and heart attacks,

were injured.[52] Extensive property damage was also caused, and some 4,000 Israelis were left

homeless. It was feared that Iraq would fire missiles filled with

the Israeli government issued gas masks

some people injected themselves with an antidote for nerve gas. The inhabitants of the

southeastern suburb of HaTikva erected an angel

was through a great miracle, that many people were preserved from being killed by a direct hit of

a Scud rocket."[53]

On 4 November 1995, Israel's prime minister,

Aviv in support of the Oslo peace accord. The outdoor plaza

as Kikar Malchei Yisrael, was renamed

In 2009, Tel Aviv celebrated its official centennial.

celebrations, digital collections of historical materials were assembled. These include the History

section of the official Tel Aviv-Yafo Centennial Year website;

focuses on the founding families of Tel Aviv, and includes photographs and

biographies;[55] and Stanford University

the history of the city.

ArabIsraeli conflict[edit]

street caf in Florentin, Tel Aviv.

in 1991, Tel Aviv was attacked by Scud missiles from Iraq. Iraq hoped to provoke

an Israeli military response, which could have destroyed the USArab alliance. The

pressured Israel not to retaliate, and after Israel acquiesced, the US

Patriot missiles to defend against the attacks, but they proved largely

v and other Israeli cities continued to be hit by Scuds throughout the war, and

every city in the Tel Aviv area except forBnei Brak was hit. A total of 74 Israelis died as a result of

Iraqi attacks, mostly from suffocation and heart attacks,[51] while approximately 230 Israelis

Extensive property damage was also caused, and some 4,000 Israelis were left

homeless. It was feared that Iraq would fire missiles filled with nerve agents or

gas masks to its citizens. When the first Iraqi missiles hit Israel,


southeastern suburb of HaTikva erected an angel-monument as a sign of their gratitude that "it

eat miracle, that many people were preserved from being killed by a direct hit of

On 4 November 1995, Israel's prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, was assassinated

Aviv in support of the Oslo peace accord. The outdoor plaza where this occurred, formerly known

as Kikar Malchei Yisrael, was renamed Rabin Square.[19][unreliable source]

In 2009, Tel Aviv celebrated its official centennial.[54] In addition to city- and country


Yafo Centennial Year website;[54] the Ahuzat Bayit collection, which

focuses on the founding families of Tel Aviv, and includes photographs and

Stanford University's Eliasaf Robinson Tel Aviv Collection,

missiles from Iraq. Iraq hoped to provoke

Arab alliance. The United

to defend against the attacks, but they proved largely

v and other Israeli cities continued to be hit by Scuds throughout the war, and

was hit. A total of 74 Israelis died as a result of

while approximately 230 Israelis

Extensive property damage was also caused, and some 4,000 Israelis were left

or sarin. As a result,

o its citizens. When the first Iraqi missiles hit Israel,


monument as a sign of their gratitude that "it

eat miracle, that many people were preserved from being killed by a direct hit of

was assassinated at a rally in Tel

where this occurred, formerly known

and country-wide


the Ahuzat Bayit collection, which

,[56] documenting

Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufas over Tel Aviv

Since the First Intifada, Tel Aviv has suffered from

attack in Tel Aviv occurred on 19 October 1994, on the

civilians and injured 50 as part of a

Hamas suicide bomber killed 13 people (12 civilians and 1 soldier) in the

bombing.[58][59] Three women were killed by a Hamas terrorist in the

March 1997.[60][61][62]

One of the most deadly attacks occurred on 1 June 2001, during the

suicide bomber exploded at the en

teenagers, and injuring 132.[63][64]

injured 70 in the Allenby Street bus bombing

over 100 injured in the Tel-Aviv central bus station massacre

Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack. In the

bar by a British Muslim suicide bomber resulted in the deaths of three civilians and wounded over

50.[74] Hamas and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed joint responsibility. An Islamic Jihad bomber

killed five and wounded over 50 in the 25 February 2005

suicide attack in the city occurred on 17 April 2006, when 11 people were killed and at least 70

wounded in a suicide bombing near the old central bus station

Another attack took place on 29 August 2011 in which a Palestinian attacker stole an Israeli taxi

cab and rammed it into a police checkpoint guarding the popular

which was filled with 2,000[77] Israeli

spree, injuring eight people.[75] Due to an

immediate response of the Border Police team during the subsequent stabbings, a much larger

and fatal mass-casualty incident was avoided.

On 21 November 2012, during

rockets, and air raid sirens were sounded in the city for the first time since the Gulf War. All of the

rockets either missed populated areas or were shot down by an

stationed near the city. During the operation, a bomb blast on a bus wounded at least 28 civilians,

three seriously.[79][80][81][82] This was described as a terrorist a

United States and was condemned by the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom,

France and Russia, whilst Hamas spokesman

"blesses" the attack.[83]

Geography[edit]

I Sufas over Tel Aviv

, Tel Aviv has suffered from Palestinian political violence

in Tel Aviv occurred on 19 October 1994, on the Line 5 bus, when a bomber killed 22

civilians and injured 50 as part of a Hamas suicide campaign.[57] On 6 March 1996, a

Hamas suicide bomber killed 13 people (12 civilians and 1 soldier) in the Dizengoff Center suicide

Three women were killed by a Hamas terrorist in the Caf Apropo bombing

One of the most deadly attacks occurred on 1 June 2001, during the Second Intifada

suicide bomber exploded at the entrance to the Dolphinarium discothque, killing 21, mostly [64][65][66] Another Hamas suicide bomber killed six civilians and

Allenby Street bus bombing.[67][68][69][70][71] Twenty-three civilians were killed and

Aviv central bus station massacre.[72][73] Al-Aqsa Martyrs

claimed responsibility for the attack. In the Mike's Place suicide bombing

suicide bomber resulted in the deaths of three civilians and wounded over

Hamas and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed joint responsibility. An Islamic Jihad bomber

killed five and wounded over 50 in the 25 February 2005 Stage Club bombing


suicide bombing near the old central bus station.[76]


cab and rammed it into a police checkpoint guarding the popularHaoman 17 nightclub

Israeli teenagers. After crashing, the assailant went on a stabbing

Due to an Israel Border Police roadblock at the entrance and


casualty incident was avoided.[78]

Operation Pillar of Defense, the Tel Aviv area was targeted by

nd air raid sirens were sounded in the city for the first time since the Gulf War. All of the

rockets either missed populated areas or were shot down by an Iron Dome rocket defense battery


This was described as a terrorist attack by Israel, Russia, and the


France and Russia, whilst Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri declared that the organisation

nce. The first suicide

, when a bomber killed 22

On 6 March 1996, another

Dizengoff Center suicide

Caf Apropo bombing on 27

Second Intifada, when a

, killing 21, mostly

Another Hamas suicide bomber killed six civilians and

three civilians were killed and

Aqsa Martyrs

Mike's Place suicide bombing, an attack on a

suicide bomber resulted in the deaths of three civilians and wounded over

Hamas and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed joint responsibility. An Islamic Jihad bomber

Stage Club bombing.[75] The most recent



nightclub in Tel Aviv

teenagers. After crashing, the assailant went on a stabbing

roadblock at the entrance and


, the Tel Aviv area was targeted by

nd air raid sirens were sounded in the city for the first time since the Gulf War. All of the

rocket defense battery


ttack by Israel, Russia, and the


clared that the organisation

Tel Aviv seen from space

Tel Aviv is located around 325

the historic land bridgebetween Europe, Asia and Africa. Immediately north of the ancient port of

Jaffa, Tel Aviv lies on land that used to be sand dunes and as such has relatively

fertility. The land has been flattened and has no important gradients; its most notable

geographical features are bluffs above the Mediterranean coastline and the

River mouth.[84] Because of the expansion of Tel Aviv and the Gush Dan region, absolute borders

between Tel Aviv and Jaffa and between the city's neighborhoods do not exist.

The city is located 60 kilometers (37

of the city of Haifa.[85]Neighboring cities and towns include

HaSharon to the northeast, Petah Tikva

east, Holon to the southeast, and

between the north and south. Southern Tel Aviv is considered l

with the exception of Neve Tzedek

Aviv is home to Azrieli Center and the important financial and commerce district along

Highway. The northern side of Tel Aviv is home to

upscale residential neighborhoods such as

Climate[edit]

Tel Aviv has a Mediterranean climate

and hot, dry summers.

In the colder months, average temperatures typically range from 9 to 17

summer, average temperatures range from 24 to 30

transitional seasons, with some fluctuations in temperature and precipitation. Heatwaves are

most common during spring, with temperatures as high as 35

Tel Aviv averages 532 millimeters (20.9

months of September through May. Winter is the wettest season, often accompanied by cold

spells of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Snow is extremely rare, with the last

recorded snowfall within city limits occurring in February 1950. The wettest month on record was

325N 3448E on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline

between Europe, Asia and Africa. Immediately north of the ancient port of

Jaffa, Tel Aviv lies on land that used to be sand dunes and as such has relatively

. The land has been flattened and has no important gradients; its most notable

geographical features are bluffs above the Mediterranean coastline and the Yarkon

Because of the expansion of Tel Aviv and the Gush Dan region, absolute borders

el Aviv and Jaffa and between the city's neighborhoods do not exist.

The city is located 60 kilometers (37 mi) northwest of Jerusalem and 90 kilometers (56

Neighboring cities and towns include Herzliya to the north,

Petah Tikva, Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan and Giv'atayim

to the southeast, and Bat Yam to the south.[86] The city is economically stratified

between the north and south. Southern Tel Aviv is considered less affluent than Northern Tel Aviv

Neve Tzedek and some recent development on Jaffa beach. Central Te

and the important financial and commerce district along

. The northern side of Tel Aviv is home to Tel Aviv University, Hayarkon Park

upscale residential neighborhoods such as Ramat Aviv and Afeka.[87]

Mediterranean climate (Kppen climate classification: Csa) with mild, rainy winters

In the colder months, average temperatures typically range from 9 to 17 C (48 to 63

summer, average temperatures range from 24 to 30 C (75 to 86 F). Spring and autumn are


most common during spring, with temperatures as high as 35 C (95 F).

Tel Aviv averages 532 millimeters (20.9 in) of precipitation annually, which mostly occurs in the



within city limits occurring in February 1950. The wettest month on record was

Israeli Mediterranean coastline, in central Israel,

between Europe, Asia and Africa. Immediately north of the ancient port of

Jaffa, Tel Aviv lies on land that used to be sand dunes and as such has relatively poor soil

. The land has been flattened and has no important gradients; its most notable

Yarkon

Because of the expansion of Tel Aviv and the Gush Dan region, absolute borders

el Aviv and Jaffa and between the city's neighborhoods do not exist.

mi) northwest of Jerusalem and 90 kilometers (56 mi) south

to the north, Ramat

Giv'atayim to the

The city is economically stratified

ess affluent than Northern Tel Aviv

beach. Central Tel

and the important financial and commerce district along Ayalon

Hayarkon Park, and

: Csa) with mild, rainy winters

C (48 to 63 F).[88] In

F). Spring and autumn are


nnually, which mostly occurs in the



within city limits occurring in February 1950. The wettest month on record was

January 2000 with 324.9 mm (12.79

133 mm (5.24 in). However, Tel Aviv enjoys plenty of

than 300 sunny days annually.

Month

Record high C (F)

Average high C (F)

Daily mean C (F)

Average low C (F)

Record low C (F)

Rainfall mm (inches)

Avg. rainy days

% humidity

Mean monthly sunshine hours

Tel Aviv mean sea temperature

Jan Feb Mar Apr

18 C

(64 F)

17 C

(63 F)

17 C

(63 F)

18 C

(64 F)

Local government[

mm (12.79 in). The wettest day on record was 8 November 1955 with

in). However, Tel Aviv enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year with more

[hide]Climate data for Tel Aviv (1916

Jan Feb Mar Apr May

26.8

(80.2)

29.6

(85.3)

35.2

(95.4)

40.4

(104.7)

46.5

(115.7)

17.5

(63.5)

17.7

(63.9)

19.2

(66.6)

22.8

(73)

24.9

(76.8)

13

(55)

13.8

(56.8)

15.4

(59.7)

18.6

(65.5)

21.1

(70)

9.6

(49.3)

9.8

(49.6)

11.5

(52.7)

14.4

(57.9)

17.3

(63.1)

2.5

(36.5)

1.9

(28.6)

3.5

(38.3)

7

(45)

11.2

(52.2)

126.9

(4.996)

90.1

(3.547)

60.6

(2.386)

18

(0.71)

2.3

(0.091)

12.8 10 8.5 3.1 0.8

73 71 69 65 68

192.2 205.9 235.6 270 328.6

Source #1: Israel Meteorological Service

Source #2: Hong Kong Observatory

Tel Aviv mean sea temperature[91]

May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

F)

21 C

(70 F)

24 C

(75 F)

26 C

(79 F)

28 C

(82 F)

27 C

(81 F)

26 C

(79

[edit]

in). The wettest day on record was 8 November 1955 with

sunshine throughout the year with more

Climate data for Tel Aviv (19162007)

May Jun Jul Aug Sep

(115.7)

37.6

(99.7)

37.4

(99.3)

34.4

(93.9)

35.4

(95.7)

(76.8)

27.5

(81.5)

29.4

(84.9)

30.2

(86.4)

29.4

(84.9)

24.1

(75.4)

26.2

(79.2)

27

(81)

26

(79)

(63.1)

20.6

(69.1)

23

(73)

23.7

(74.7)

22.5

(72.5)

(52.2)

15

(59)

19

(66)

20

(68)

15.7

(60.3)

(0.091)

0

(0)

0

(0)

0.7

(0.028)

1.4

(0.055)

0 0 0.3 0.3

70 70 70 67

328.6 357 368.9 356.5 300

Israel Meteorological Service[88][89]

Hong Kong Observatory for data of sunshine hours[90]

Oct Nov Dec

C

F)

23 C

(73 F)

20 C

(68 F)

Rabin Square and Tel Aviv City Halllooking northwest

Tel Aviv is governed by a 31-member city

proportional elections.[92]

All Israeli citizens over the age of 18 with at least one year of residence in Tel Aviv are eligible to

vote in municipal elections. The municipality is responsible for social services, community

programs, public infrastructure, urban planning, tourism and other local affairs.

Aviv City Hall is located at Rabin S

1998.[92] Huldai was reelected in the 2008 municipal electio

longest serving mayor wasShlomo Lahat

was David Bloch, in office for two years, 1925

votes in Tel Aviv than in any other city in Israel.

Mayors[edit]

Ron Huldai, mayor of Tel Aviv since 1998.

Mayors of Tel Aviv

Name Term

1 Meir Dizengoff 1921

2 David Bloch 1925

3 Meir Dizengoff 1928

4 Israel Rokach 1936

looking northwest

member city council elected for a five-year term in direct


te in municipal elections. The municipality is responsible for social services, community

programs, public infrastructure, urban planning, tourism and other local affairs.

Rabin Square. Ron Huldai has been mayor of Tel Aviv since

Huldai was reelected in the 2008 municipal elections, defeating Dov Henin

Shlomo Lahat, who was in office for 19 years. The shortest serving

ice for two years, 192527. Outside the kibbutzim, Meretz

votes in Tel Aviv than in any other city in Israel.[97]

, mayor of Tel Aviv since 1998.

Mayors of Tel Aviv

Term Party

1925 General Zionists

1927 Ahdut HaAvoda



year term in direct


te in municipal elections. The municipality is responsible for social services, community

programs, public infrastructure, urban planning, tourism and other local affairs.[93][94][95] The Tel

has been mayor of Tel Aviv since

Dov Henin's list.[96] The

years. The shortest serving

Meretz receives more

5 Chaim Levanon 19531959 General Zionists

6 Mordechai Namir 19591969 Mapai

7 Yehoshua Rabinovitz 19691974 Alignment

8 Shlomo Lahat 19741993 Likud

9 Roni Milo 19931998 Likud

10 Ron Huldai 1998Present Tel Aviv 1

City council[edit]

The coalition is led by Tel Aviv 1 and consists of 23 of 31 seats.

Tel Aviv City Council, 2008

Party Seats

Tel Aviv 1 5

City for All 5

Power for Pensioners 3

Meretz 3

City Majority 3

The Greens 2

Likud 2

United Torah Judaism 2

Shas 2

Latet Lihyot Let Live 2

Social Justice 1

Jaffa 1

Education[edit]

The Vladimir Schreiber Institute of Mathematics in

In 2006, 51,359 children attended school in Tel Aviv, of whom 8,977

kindergartens, 23,573 in municipal elementary schools, and 18,809 in high schools.

percent of students in the city are entitled to matriculation, more than 5 percent higher than the

national average.[98] About 4,000 children are in first grade at schools in the city, and population

growth is expected to raise this number to 6,000 by 2012.

kindergarten classes were opened in 2008

north of Sde Dov as well as a new high school in northern Tel Aviv.

The first Hebrew high school, called

Street.

Tel Aviv University, the largest university in Israel, is known internationally for

its physics, computer science, chemistry

University in neighboring Ramat Gan

The Vladimir Schreiber Institute of Mathematics in Tel Aviv University

children attended school in Tel Aviv, of whom 8,977 were in municipal

kindergartens, 23,573 in municipal elementary schools, and 18,809 in high schools.


About 4,000 children are in first grade at schools in the city, and population

growth is expected to raise this number to 6,000 by 2012.[99] As a result, 20 additional

kindergarten classes were opened in 200809 in the city. A new elementary school is planned

north of Sde Dov as well as a new high school in northern Tel Aviv.[99]

The first Hebrew high school, called Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium, was built in 1905 on Herzl

, the largest university in Israel, is known internationally for

chemistry andlinguistics departments. Together with

Ramat Gan, the student population numbers over 50,000, including a

were in municipal

kindergartens, 23,573 in municipal elementary schools, and 18,809 in high schools.[98] Sixty-four


About 4,000 children are in first grade at schools in the city, and population

additional

09 in the city. A new elementary school is planned

, was built in 1905 on Herzl

, the largest university in Israel, is known internationally for

departments. Together with Bar-Ilan

, the student population numbers over 50,000, including a

sizeable international community

Aviv.[102]Tel Aviv also has several colleges.

Jaffa to Tel Aviv in 1909. The school

to Jabotinsky Street.[104] Other notable schools in Tel Aviv include

second Hebrew school in the city, Ironi Alef High School for Arts and

Demographics[edit

Aerial view of Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv has a population of 414,600 spread over a land area of 52,000 dunams (52.0

(20 mi), yielding a population density of 7,606 people per square kilometer (19,699 per square

mile). According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics

is growing at an annual rate of 0.5 percent. Jews of all backg

population, Muslims and Arab Christians make up 4.2 percent, and the remainder belong to other

groups (including various Christian and Asian communities).

many languages are spoken in addition to

unregistered Asian foreign workers

Tel Aviv is relatively low.[107]

According to Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, the average income in the city, which has

an unemployment rate of 6.9 percent, is 20 percent above the national average.

education standards are above the national average: of its 12th

eligible for matriculation certificates

under 20, 18.5 percent aged 20

59, and 19.1 percent older than 60.

Tel Aviv's population reached a peak in the early 1960s at around 390,00

the late 1980s as high property prices forced families out and deterred young couples from

moving in.[49] Since the mass immigration from the former Sovi

has steadily grown.[49] Today, the city's population is young and growing.

22,000 people moved to the city, while only 18,500 left,

young children. The population is expected to reach 450,000 by

age of residents fell from 35.8 in 1983 to 34 in 2008.

percent compared with 19% in 1983.

Religion[edit]

international community.[100][101] Its campus is located in the neighborhood of

Tel Aviv also has several colleges.[103] The Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium

Jaffa to Tel Aviv in 1909. The school continues to operate, although it has moved

Other notable schools in Tel Aviv include Shevah Mofet

in the city, Ironi Alef High School for Arts and Alliance.

edit]

Tel Aviv has a population of 414,600 spread over a land area of 52,000 dunams (52.0

mi), yielding a population density of 7,606 people per square kilometer (19,699 per square

Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), as of 2009 Tel Aviv's population

is growing at an annual rate of 0.5 percent. Jews of all backgrounds form 91.8 percent of the


groups (including various Christian and Asian communities).[105] As Tel Aviv is a multicultural city,

many languages are spoken in addition to Hebrew. According to some estimates, about 50,000

foreign workers live in the city.[106] Compared with Westernised cities, crime in

Yafo Municipality, the average income in the city, which has

f 6.9 percent, is 20 percent above the national average.

education standards are above the national average: of its 12th-grade students, 64.4 percent are

matriculation certificates.[98] The age profile is relatively even, with 22.2 percent aged

ent aged 2029, 24 percent aged 3044, 16.2 percent aged between 45 and

59, and 19.1 percent older than 60.[108]

Tel Aviv's population reached a peak in the early 1960s at around 390,000, falling to 317,000 in


Since the mass immigration from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s, population

Today, the city's population is young and growing.[99] In 2006,

people moved to the city, while only 18,500 left,[99] and many of the new families had

young children. The population is expected to reach 450,000 by 2025; meanwhile, the average

age of residents fell from 35.8 in 1983 to 34 in 2008.[99] The population over age 65 stands at 14.6

percent compared with 19% in 1983.[99]

Its campus is located in the neighborhood of Ramat

Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium moved from

continues to operate, although it has moved

Shevah Mofet, the

.

Tel Aviv has a population of 414,600 spread over a land area of 52,000 dunams (52.0 km2)

mi), yielding a population density of 7,606 people per square kilometer (19,699 per square

(CBS), as of 2009 Tel Aviv's population

rounds form 91.8 percent of the


As Tel Aviv is a multicultural city,

. According to some estimates, about 50,000

Compared with Westernised cities, crime in

Yafo Municipality, the average income in the city, which has

f 6.9 percent, is 20 percent above the national average.[98] The city's

grade students, 64.4 percent are

The age profile is relatively even, with 22.2 percent aged

44, 16.2 percent aged between 45 and

0, falling to 317,000 in


et Union in the 1990s, population

In 2006,

and many of the new families had

2025; meanwhile, the average

The population over age 65 stands at 14.6

The Great Synagogue

Tel Aviv has 544 active synagogues,

Synagogue, established in the 1930s.

a secular yeshiva opened in the city.

gay pride parade ended in vandalism of a synagogue.

accommodate the religious needs of diplomats and foreign workers.

of 93% Jewish, 1% Muslim, and 1% Christian. The remaining 5 percent are not classified by

religion.[114] Israel Meir Lau is chief rabbi

Tel Aviv is an ethnically diverse city. The Jewish population, which forms the majority group in Tel

Aviv consists of immigrants from all parts of the world and their descendants, including Ashkenazi

Jews from Europe, North America, South America, Australia and South Africa, as well as

Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews from Southern Europe, North Africa, India, Central Asia, West

Asia,and the Arabian Peninsula. There are also a sizable number of Ethiopian Jews and thei

descendants living in Tel Aviv. In addition to Muslim and Arab Christian minorities in the city,

several hundred Armenian Christians who reside in the city are concentrated mainly in

some Christians from the former Soviet Union who immigrated to Israel with Jewish spouses and

relatives. In recent years, Tel Aviv has received many non

workers (documented and undocumented) and refugees. There are many re

countries located in the southern part of the city.

Neighborhoods[edit]

Kerem HaTeimanim is a predominantly

Further information: Neighborhoods of Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv has 544 active synagogues,[109] including historic buildings such as the

, established in the 1930s.[110] In 2008, a center for secular Jewish Studies

opened in the city.[111] Tensions between religious and secu

gay pride parade ended in vandalism of a synagogue.[112] The number of churches has grown to

accommodate the religious needs of diplomats and foreign workers.[113] The population consists


chief rabbi of the city.[115]



Europe, North America, South America, Australia and South Africa, as well as


Asia,and the Arabian Peninsula. There are also a sizable number of Ethiopian Jews and thei


several hundred Armenian Christians who reside in the city are concentrated mainly in

ome Christians from the former Soviet Union who immigrated to Israel with Jewish spouses and

relatives. In recent years, Tel Aviv has received many non-Jewish migrants, students, foreign

workers (documented and undocumented) and refugees. There are many refugees from African

countries located in the southern part of the city.[116]

is a predominantly Yemenite Jewishneighborhood in the center of Tel Aviv

Neighborhoods of Tel Aviv

buildings such as the Great

Jewish Studies and

secular Jews before the

The number of churches has grown to

The population consists




Europe, North America, South America, Australia and South Africa, as well as


Asia,and the Arabian Peninsula. There are also a sizable number of Ethiopian Jews and their


several hundred Armenian Christians who reside in the city are concentrated mainly in Jaffa and

ome Christians from the former Soviet Union who immigrated to Israel with Jewish spouses and

Jewish migrants, students, foreign

fugees from African

neighborhood in the center of Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is divided into nine districts that have formed naturally

oldest of these is Jaffa, the ancient

made up demographically of a greater percentage of Arabs, bu

them with a young professional and artist population. Similar processes are occurring in

nearby Neve Tzedek, the original Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa.

the northern part of the city that is largely made up of luxury apart

University, is currently undergoing extensive expansion and is set to absorb the beachfront

property of Sde Dov Airport after its decommissi

Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters and a large

Historically, there was a demographic split between the

including the district of Ramat Aviv, and the southern, more

including Neve Tzedek and Florentin

Since the 1980s, major restoration and gentrification projects have been implemented in southern

Tel Aviv.[19][unreliable source] Baruch Yoscovitz, city planner fo

old British plans for the Florentin neighborhood from the 1920s, adding green areas, pedestrian

malls, and housing. The municipality invested two million shekels in the project. The goal was to

make Florentin the Soho of Tel Aviv, and attract artists and young professionals to the

neighborhood. Indeed, street artists, such as

many others made the upbeat neighborhood their home base.

hip, "cool" place to be in Tel Aviv with coffeehouses, markets, bars, galleries and parties.

Cityscape[edit]

Architecture[edit]

Tel Aviv is divided into nine districts that have formed naturally over the city's short history. The

oldest of these is Jaffa, the ancient port city out of which Tel Aviv grew. This area is traditionally

made up demographically of a greater percentage of Arabs, but recent gentrification


, the original Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa. Ramat Aviv

the northern part of the city that is largely made up of luxury apartments and includes

, is currently undergoing extensive expansion and is set to absorb the beachfront

property of Sde Dov Airport after its decommissioning.[117] The area known asHaKirya

(IDF) headquarters and a large military base.[87]

Historically, there was a demographic split between the Ashkenazi northern side of the city,

Ramat Aviv, and the southern, more Sephardi and Mizrahi

Florentin.[19][unreliable source]


Baruch Yoscovitz, city planner for Tel Aviv beginning in 2001, reworked



of Tel Aviv, and attract artists and young professionals to the

neighborhood. Indeed, street artists, such as Dede, installation artists such as

many others made the upbeat neighborhood their home base.[118][119] Florentin is now known as a

hip, "cool" place to be in Tel Aviv with coffeehouses, markets, bars, galleries and parties.

View of Tel Aviv from Azrieli Center

over the city's short history. The

out of which Tel Aviv grew. This area is traditionally

gentrification is replacing


Ramat Aviv, a district in

ments and includes Tel Aviv

, is currently undergoing extensive expansion and is set to absorb the beachfront

HaKirya is the Israel

northern side of the city,

Mizrahi neighborhoods


r Tel Aviv beginning in 2001, reworked



of Tel Aviv, and attract artists and young professionals to the

llation artists such as Sigalit Landau, and

Florentin is now known as a

hip, "cool" place to be in Tel Aviv with coffeehouses, markets, bars, galleries and parties.[120]

1930s Bauhaus (left) and 1920sEclectic

Tel Aviv is home to different architectural styles

The early architecture of Tel Aviv consisted largely of European

red-tiled roofs.[121] Neve Tzedek

characterised by two-story sandstone buildings.

style came into vogue, combining European architecture with Eastern features such as arches,

domes and ornamental tiles.[121]

drawn up by Patrick Geddes. Two

and public parks.[121] Various architectural styles, such as

exist in Tel Aviv.

Bauhaus[edit]

Main article: Bauhaus

Classical Bauhaus architecture, part of the

Bauhaus architecture was introduced

settled in Palestine after the rise of the Nazis. Tel Aviv's

contains more than 5,000 Modernist

Corbusier.[6][7] Construction of these buildings, later declared protected landmarks and,

collectively, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continued until the 1950s in the area

around Rothschild Boulevard.[7]

and 1939 alone.[121] In the 1960s, this architectural style gave way to office towers and a chain of

waterfront hotels and commercial skyscrapers.

neglected to the point of ruin. Before legislation to preserve this landmark architecture, many of

the old buildings were demolished. Efforts are under way to refurbish Bauhaus buildings and

restore them to their original condition.

High-rise construction and towersSee also: List of tallest buildings in Tel Aviv

Eclectic (right) architecture styles

architectural styles that represent influential periods in its history.

The early architecture of Tel Aviv consisted largely of European-style single-story houses with

Neve Tzedek, the first neighborhood to be constructed outside of Jaffa is

story sandstone buildings.[6] By the 1920s, a new eclectic Orientalist

came into vogue, combining European architecture with Eastern features such as arches, [121] Municipal construction followed the "garden city" master plan

. Two- and three-story buildings were interspersed with boulevards

Various architectural styles, such as Art Deco, classical and modernist also

Classical Bauhaus architecture, part of the White City

Bauhaus architecture was introduced in the 1920s and 1930s by German Jewish architects who

settled in Palestine after the rise of the Nazis. Tel Aviv's White City, around the city center,

Modernist-style buildings inspired by the Bauhaus school

Construction of these buildings, later declared protected landmarks and,

World Heritage Site, continued until the 1950s in the area [7][122] Some 3,000 buildings were created in this style between 1931

In the 1960s, this architectural style gave way to office towers and a chain of

waterfront hotels and commercial skyscrapers.[19] Some of the city's Modernist buildings were



original condition.[123]

rise construction and towers[edit] List of tallest buildings in Tel Aviv

represent influential periods in its history.

story houses with

, the first neighborhood to be constructed outside of Jaffa is

eclectic Orientalist

came into vogue, combining European architecture with Eastern features such as arches,

Municipal construction followed the "garden city" master plan

story buildings were interspersed with boulevards

, classical and modernist also

in the 1920s and 1930s by German Jewish architects who

, around the city center,

Bauhaus school and Le

Construction of these buildings, later declared protected landmarks and,

World Heritage Site, continued until the 1950s in the area

Some 3,000 buildings were created in this style between 1931

In the 1960s, this architectural style gave way to office towers and a chain of

ome of the city's Modernist buildings were



The Azrieli Center complex contains the tallest skyscrapers in Tel Aviv

The Shalom Meir Tower, Israel's first skyscraper, was built in Tel Aviv in 1965 and remained the

country's tallest building until 1999. At the time of its construction, the building rivalled Europe's

tallest buildings in height, and was the tallest in the Middle East.

In the mid-1990s, the construction of skyscrapers began throughout the entire city, altering its

skyline. Before that, Tel Aviv had had a generally low

not concentrated in certain areas, and were scattered at random locations throughout the city,

creating a disjointed skyline.

Park Tzameret neighborhood

New neighborhoods, such as Park Tzameret

such as YOO Tel Aviv towers, designed by

been developed with office towers. Other re

Rothschild Tower and First International Bank Tower

in 2009,[127] the city attracted a number of architects and developers, including

Trump, and Richard Meier.[128]American journalist

York magazine that since Tel Aviv "was named a

buildings from the Ottoman and Bauhaus era have been repurposed as fabulous hot

boutiques, and design museums."

skyscrapers more than 100 meters tall.

or are under construction throughout the city, and many more are planned.

complex contains the tallest skyscrapers in Tel Aviv

l's first skyscraper, was built in Tel Aviv in 1965 and remained the


tallest buildings in height, and was the tallest in the Middle East.

s, the construction of skyscrapers began throughout the entire city, altering its

skyline. Before that, Tel Aviv had had a generally low-rise skyline.[124] However, the towers were

concentrated in certain areas, and were scattered at random locations throughout the city,

Park Tzameret, have been constructed to house apartment towers

towers, designed by Philippe Starck. Other districts, such as

been developed with office towers. Other recent additions to Tel Aviv's skyline include the

First International Bank Tower.[125][126] As Tel Aviv celebrated its centennial

the city attracted a number of architects and developers, including

American journalist David Kaufman reported in

that since Tel Aviv "was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, gorgeous historic

buildings from the Ottoman and Bauhaus era have been repurposed as fabulous hot

boutiques, and design museums."[129] In November 2009, Haaretz reported that Tel Aviv had 59

pers more than 100 meters tall.[130]Currently, dozens of skyscrapers have been approved

or are under construction throughout the city, and many more are planned.

l's first skyscraper, was built in Tel Aviv in 1965 and remained the


s, the construction of skyscrapers began throughout the entire city, altering its

However, the towers were

concentrated in certain areas, and were scattered at random locations throughout the city,

, have been constructed to house apartment towers

. Other districts, such as Sarona, have

cent additions to Tel Aviv's skyline include the 1

As Tel Aviv celebrated its centennial

the city attracted a number of architects and developers, including I. M. Pei, Donald

New

site, gorgeous historic

buildings from the Ottoman and Bauhaus era have been repurposed as fabulous hotels, eateries,

reported that Tel Aviv had 59

Currently, dozens of skyscrapers have been approved

The tallest building approved is the Egged Tower, which would become Israel's tallest building

upon completion.[131]According to current plans, the tower is planned to have 80 floors, rise to a

height of 270 meters, and will have a 50

Bird's eye view from Moshe Aviv Tower

In 2010, the Tel Aviv Municipality's Planning and Construction Committee launched a new master

plan for the city in 2025. It decided not to allow the construction of any additional skyscrapers in

the city center, while at the same time greatly increasing the construction

east. The ban extends to an area between the coast and

theYarkon River and Eilat Street. It did not extend to towers already approved and/or under

construction. Any new buildings there will usually not be allowed to rise above six and a half

stories. However, hotel towers along almost the entire beachfront will be allowed to rise up to 25

stories. The committee decided to approve one last skyscraper project in the city center, while

dozens of other planned projects had to be scrapped. Accordin

between Ibn Gabirol Street and the eastern city limits would be "flooded" with skyscrapers and

high-rise buildings at least 18 stories tall. Under the plan, "forests" of corporate skyscrapers will

line both sides of the Ayalon Highway

built along the old Ottoman railway between

tower there being the Neve Tzedek Tower

and south Tel Aviv, office buildings up to 25 stories will line both sides of the street, which will be

widened to accommodate traffic from the city's southern entrance to the center

In November 2012, it was announced that to encourage investment in the city's architecture,

residential towers throughout Tel Aviv would be extended in height. Buildings in Jaffa and the

southern and eastern districts may have two and a half stories added, while those on Ibn Gabirol

Street might be extended by seven and a half stories.

proved is the Egged Tower, which would become Israel's tallest building

According to current plans, the tower is planned to have 80 floors, rise to a

meters, and will have a 50-meter spire.[132]

Moshe Aviv Tower

Aviv Municipality's Planning and Construction Committee launched a new master


the city center, while at the same time greatly increasing the construction of skyscrapers in the

east. The ban extends to an area between the coast and Ibn Gabirol Street, and also between

and Eilat Street. It did not extend to towers already approved and/or under




dozens of other planned projects had to be scrapped. According to the plan, the entire area


rise buildings at least 18 stories tall. Under the plan, "forests" of corporate skyscrapers will

Ayalon Highway. Further south, skyscrapers rising up to 40 stories will be

built along the old Ottoman railway between Neve Tzedek and Florentine, with the first such

Neve Tzedek Tower. Along nearby Shlavim Street, passing between Jaffa


widened to accommodate traffic from the city's southern entrance to the center


l towers throughout Tel Aviv would be extended in height. Buildings in Jaffa and the


Street might be extended by seven and a half stories.[135]

proved is the Egged Tower, which would become Israel's tallest building

According to current plans, the tower is planned to have 80 floors, rise to a

Aviv Municipality's Planning and Construction Committee launched a new master


of skyscrapers in the

, and also between

and Eilat Street. It did not extend to towers already approved and/or under




g to the plan, the entire area


rise buildings at least 18 stories tall. Under the plan, "forests" of corporate skyscrapers will

. Further south, skyscrapers rising up to 40 stories will be

, with the first such

. Along nearby Shlavim Street, passing between Jaffa


widened to accommodate traffic from the city's southern entrance to the center.[133][134]


l towers throughout Tel Aviv would be extended in height. Buildings in Jaffa and the


The "First International Bank Tower" in Tel Aviv's financial district

Economy[edit]

Tel Aviv was built on sand dunes in an area unsuitable for farming. Instead, it developed as a hub

of business and scientific research.

Passage Pensak, was built there. By 1936, as tens of thousands of middle

class immigrants arrived from Europe, Tel Aviv was already the largest city in Palestine. A small

port was built at the Yarkon estuary, and many cafes, clubs and cinemas opened.

Street became a commercial thoroughfare at t

Economic activities account for 17 percent of the GDP.

unemployment rate of 4.4 percent.

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (on the left)

The city has been described as a "flourishing technological center" by

"miniature Los Angeles" by The Econo

as one of the 10 most technologically influential cities in the world. Since then, high

in the Tel Aviv area has continued to develop.

(including satellite cities such as

sometimes referred to as Silicon Wadi

Tel Aviv is home to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange

reached record heights since the 1990s.

" in Tel Aviv's financial district


of business and scientific research.[19][unreliable source] In 1926, the country's first shopping arcade,

Passage Pensak, was built there. By 1936, as tens of thousands of middle

arrived from Europe, Tel Aviv was already the largest city in Palestine. A small

was built at the Yarkon estuary, and many cafes, clubs and cinemas opened.

became a commercial thoroughfare at this time.[136]

Economic activities account for 17 percent of the GDP.[49] In 2011, Tel Aviv had an

unemployment rate of 4.4 percent.[137]

(on the left)

has been described as a "flourishing technological center" by Newsweek

The Economist.[138][139] In 1998, the city was described by Newsweek

gically influential cities in the world. Since then, high

in the Tel Aviv area has continued to develop.[139] The Tel Aviv metropolitan area

such as Herzliya and Petah Tikva) is Israel's center of high

Silicon Wadi.[139][140]

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE), Israel's only stock exchange

reached record heights since the 1990s.[141] The Tel Aviv Stock exchange has also gained


shopping arcade,

arrived from Europe, Tel Aviv was already the largest city in Palestine. A small

was built at the Yarkon estuary, and many cafes, clubs and cinemas opened. Herzl

In 2011, Tel Aviv had an

Newsweek and a

In 1998, the city was described by Newsweek

gically influential cities in the world. Since then, high-tech industry

The Tel Aviv metropolitan area

is Israel's center of high-tech,

stock exchange, which has

The Tel Aviv Stock exchange has also gained

attention for its resilience and ability to recover from war and disasters. For example, the Tel Aviv

Stock Exchange was higher on the last day of both the 2006 Lebanon war and the 2009

Operation in Gaza than on the first day of fighting

capital firms, scientific research

Industries in Tel Aviv include chemical processing, textile plants and food

manufacturers.[19][unreliable source] The city's nightlife, cultural attractions and architecture attract

tourists whose spending benefits the local econom

Shops at the Dizengoff Center

In 2008, the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and

University reissued an inventory of

services. Tel Aviv was ranked as a

The Kiryat Atidim high tech zone opened in 1972 and the city has become a major world high

tech hub. In December 2012, the city was ranked second on a list of top places to found a high

tech startup company, just behind

companies and research and development centers, and was ranked the second

city in the world, behind Medelln

According to Forbes, nine of its fifteen Israeli

and its suburbs.[147][148] Thecost of living

city to live in. According to Mercer

2010 Tel Aviv is the most expensive city in the Middle East and the 19th most expensive in the

world.[140]

Shopping malls in Tel Aviv include

Mall and markets such as Carmel Market, Ha'Tikva Market, and Bezalel Market.

Culture and contemporary lifeEntertainment and performing arts

ience and ability to recover from war and disasters. For example, the Tel Aviv

Stock Exchange was higher on the last day of both the 2006 Lebanon war and the 2009

Operation in Gaza than on the first day of fighting[142] Many international venture

research institutes and high-tech companies are headquartered in the city.

Industries in Tel Aviv include chemical processing, textile plants and food

The city's nightlife, cultural attractions and architecture attract

tourists whose spending benefits the local economy.[143]

In 2008, the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC) at

reissued an inventory of world cities based on their level of advanced producer

services. Tel Aviv was ranked as a beta+ world city.[144]

zone opened in 1972 and the city has become a major world high

the city was ranked second on a list of top places to found a high

, just behind Silicon Valley.[145] In 2013, Tel Aviv had more than 700 startup

companies

Tel Aviv

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Transcript of Tel Aviv