Rising, one of Tel Aviv’s first skyscrapers, is a bold symbol of the city’s financial growth and transformation from historic urban charm to modern architectural ambition. This skyscraper shares a deep connection with the story of Levin House, a connection we'll explore further, through the legacy of the Credit Bank. Founded in Levin House after the passing of Yaakov Zvi Levin, the bank’s journey reached its conclusion here, merging with the First International Bank in 2015.
The Credit Bank’s history is marked by pivotal moments. In 1965, it was acquired by a grandson of Baron Rothschild, the namesake of Tel Aviv’s iconic Rothschild Boulevard, bolstering its stature within Israel’s financial sector. The bank played a crucial role in the development of Tel Aviv's financial sector, and its acquisition by the grandson of Baron Rothschild was a significant milestone. Later, in 1996, the bank came under the ownership of the South African banking group Investec, which upheld its professional legacy. For decades, the Credit Bank was a trusted name in private banking and securities, renowned for its exceptional services to the people of Tel Aviv and its clients far beyond the city.
This skyscraper embodies Tel Aviv's evolution—a transition from a modest, historically significant building with a local focus to a towering landmark reflecting the city’s ambition and rapid growth. It stands as a testament to Tel Aviv’s enduring spirit, bridging the traditions of its storied past with the aspirations of its vibrant future.
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.
