Jacob's Garden, one of Tel Aviv’s most tranquil and charming spots, has a history rich in natural beauty and symbolic significance. At its heart stand two ancient sycamore trees, their venerable forms between the Charles Bronfman Concert Hall and the Rubinstein Gallery. It is said that these very sycamores inspired Yohanan Zarai, a Hungarian immigrant, to compose the iconic waltz “Gan HaShikmim” (“The Garden of Sycamores”). This cherished melody, known to every Israeli, draws its allure from the garden's picturesque setting and the memories it embodies.
In earlier times, the garden was part of a sprawling dune that encircled the sycamores, marking the northern boundary of what was then a modest Tel Aviv. Today, Jacob's Garden is a meticulously maintained green oasis, connecting Habima Square to Sderot Hen and forming a natural extension of Rothschild Boulevard. This seamless melding of the city’s humble past with its vibrant present transforms the garden into a space of inspiration and serenity, imbued with the nostalgic essence of Israel’s first Hebrew city.
Yet Jacob's Garden is not merely a place of peace; it carries stories of Tel Aviv’s varied history. During the British Mandate, it is said that members of the Haganah resistance trained among the trees, using them as part of their obstacle courses to develop the vital skills required for covert operations. Years later, as bulldozers arrived with plans to clear the garden for new developments, a spirited grassroots campaign arose to defend it. The reasons behind this passionate fight remain unclear—perhaps it was the enduring legacy of “Gan HaShikmim”, evoking a longing for a simpler past, or maybe the wish to preserve the romantic spirit of the legendary Palmach days. Whatever the motivation, the campaign succeeded, and the garden was spared.
Over the years, Jacob's Garden has been woven into the architectural landscape of the cultural complex surrounding Habima Square, becoming an indispensable part of Tel Aviv’s cultural fabric. Today, it is a testament to the city’s rich and layered history—a serene yet evocative reminder of the past nestled within the lively pulse of modern Tel Aviv.
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.
