Here, amidst the once-barren dunes, the inspiring story of Tel Aviv's birth unfolds. This very ground, where the first plots of land for Ahuzat Bayit were allocated, now holds a monument at its heart, a testament to the resilience and ambition of the early settlers. Its panels narrate the journey of these pioneers, tracing the city’s evolution from a modest neighbourhood to a vibrant, modern metropolis.
By 1921, Tel Aviv had emerged as an independent city, distinct from Jaffa. This newfound status demanded a crest that would encapsulate its identity as the first Hebrew city. Mayor Meir Dizengoff, a key figure in the city's history, took charge. He commissioned Boris Schatz, the renowned sculptor and founder of the Bezalel Academy of Arts, to create the emblem. Schatz, in turn, organized a competition among his students, and Nahum Gutman’s design—a lighthouse illuminating a distant shore—was chosen. This symbol beautifully captured the essence of Tel Aviv as a beacon of progress, a city that harmoniously blends tradition with modernity.
The crest also features seven Stars of David, a nod to Theodor Herzl’s visionary ideals. In his seminal book Altneuland, Herzl proposed the idea of a seven-hour workday as a hallmark of a forward-thinking, secular Jewish society. This progressive vision became an integral part of Tel Aviv’s identity and aspirations for the future.
Adjacent to the monument stands a striking equestrian statue of Meir Dizengoff, Tel Aviv’s first mayor and a figure of immense significance. Born in Moldova, Dizengoff’s journey mirrored the city's transformation. From his studies at the Sorbonne to his management of enterprises under Baron Rothschild’s patronage, he embodied the pioneering spirit of the Zionist movement. He founded transport and shipping companies and played a pivotal role in Tel Aviv’s early growth. His home at 16 Rothschild Boulevard, a site of historic importance, witnessed the declaration of Israel's independence in 1948.
Founders’ Square and its monuments are more than relics of the past. They are enduring reminders of the visionaries who transformed a stretch of sandy dunes into Tel Aviv—a city of innovation, energy, and determination. The square remains a living tribute to the people and ideas that laid the foundation for this extraordinary urban oasis.
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.
