In 1906, 60 Jewish families led by Meir Dizengoff met in Jaffa to lay out plans to establish a new Jewish city. They purchased empty sand dunes and divided much of it into 60 lots and in 1909 held a lottery-using seashells-to divide the land. The name given the new city was Tel Aviv (Hill of Spring). In 1949 Tel Aviv and Jaffa were joined to create a single municipality.
Next, we stopped at Independence Hall where David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the state of Israel on May 14, 1948.
After that, we walked around Jaffa which is the oldest part of Tel Aviv. Its three major draws are a flea market, the hilltop Old City enclave and shopping and entertainment center. The old city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is near the Franciscan St Peter’s Church. The Jaffa Port is one of the oldest harbors and is mentioned in the Bible.
Other Tidbits
– Kurkar (building stone in old city)
– Neve Tzedek ( first Jewish neighborhood)