At the bustling intersection of Rothschild Boulevard and Allenby Street, a remarkable building rises with quiet dignity, its timeless elegance reflecting the vision of Yehuda Magidovitch. A native of Uman, Magidovitch brought his unique architectural flair to Palestine, where he designed this iconic structure in 1921. It became the home of Tel Aviv’s first luxury hotel, the Ben-Nahum Hotel, later renamed the Ginosar Hotel, setting a new standard of sophistication for the young city.
Inside, the hotel’s interiors bore the hallmark of Menachem Mendel Karol, a talented painter from Radom, Poland. Karol and his sons established the Guild of Masters in Tel Aviv and was fondly known as the “City Painter.” His intricate decorative work elevated the hotel’s interiors to unparalleled refined luxury, making it a beacon of elegance in an era when Tel Aviv was still defining itself.
But the hotel’s story extends far beyond its architectural and artistic achievements—it is steeped in drama and controversy. During its construction, the decision to employ Arab labourers sparked public discontent, reflecting the tensions in the growing Jewish community. Later, after its grand opening, a sculpture adorning the entrance—depicting a rabbi with his students—triggered protests from the religious community, who decried it as blasphemous.
Perhaps the most talked-about episode in the hotel’s history was a scandal that unfolded on its doorstep: the theft of Zina Dizengoff’s purse. Zina, the wife of Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff, had her wallet snatched in broad daylight outside the hotel. The incident caused a stir across the city, dominating newspaper headlines and fuelling animated discussions among its residents.
With its graceful design and colourful history, this building encapsulates the spirit of early Tel Aviv—an ambitious, vibrant, and often turbulent city. It played a significant role in shaping the city's early urban culture, embodying the passions, conflicts, and aspirations that shaped its formative years. To this day, it remains a testament to the city’s enduring energy and dynamic evolution, connecting us to its rich history.
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.
