Our journey begins on Sderot Hen, at No. 1, where on 13 May 1948, representatives of Jaffa’s Arab communities signed an agreement of surrender. This unassuming house, once situated on a key road linking the German colony of Sarona to the coastline, marked Tel Aviv's outskirts. To the north lay little more than open fields, and what we now recognise as the city's vibrant core was, at the time, its very boundary.
Among those present at the signing was Zvi Orbach, a man whose life story is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. Born in Lviv, Orbach arrived in Israel at age 20 and began his journey as a kibbutz labourer. Over time, he became a successful contractor, building churches in Bethlehem and homes across Tel Aviv. His fluency in seven languages made him an invaluable asset to the IDF and later to Israel’s security services. By his side was Bella, his wife and the daughter of Dina and Yosef Apland, who had emigrated from Harbin, China. The couple made their home at No. 16 Dizengoff Street a quiet residence that would forever remain in the shadow of another historic No. 16.
The next day, on 14 May 1948, history was made at No. 16 Rothschild Boulevard, the home of Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff. In the modest confines of this house, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the independence of the State of Israel. The unpretentious setting belied the monumental significance of the moment, as the foundations of a nation were laid amidst the humblest of surroundings.
These two houses, marked by the number 16, are united by the threads of history. The Orbach family’s home on Dizengoff Street reflects the rich personal narratives and diverse identities that characterised Israel’s formative years. Meanwhile, Dizengoff’s house on Rothschild Boulevard is a timeless symbol of national rebirth. Together, these locations bridge the past and present of Tel Aviv, reminding us that the city’s history is not solely about its architecture but about the people who forged its story and shaped its destiny.
Let us begin our journey at Habima Square, a central crossroads in Tel Aviv where Rothschild Boulevard meets Sderot Hen, named after the national poet Haim Nachman Bialik. These boulevards, shaded by elegant ficus trees, are more than just scenic streets—they are the threads of a narrative that weaves through the history of Israel’s founding.
On Sderot Hen, at No. 1, a pivotal moment unfolded on May 13, 1948. Within this modest building, Arab representatives signed a formal agreement of surrender, just one day before the proclamation of Israel’s independence. A few steps away, across Rothschild Boulevard, in the home of Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff, David Ben-Gurion stood in a modest living room and declared the establishment of the State of Israel.
This short but profound route between two historic landmarks is a journey through time. It captures the essence of Tel Aviv’s transformation—from a nascent Hebrew city into the cultural and historical heart of modern Israel. Each building, each street, whispers the stories of visionaries and pivotal moments. Walking this path isn’t just about seeing the city; it’s about feeling its pulse, its spirit, and its unique place in history.
