The ancient fertility of the Southern Levant explains much about why the region of modern day Israel was settled so early in time. And why it developed the sophisticated civilizations coveted by geographical neighbors to the point of invasion. Today, the opposite is true. Particularly fresh water. This has driven Israel to create history in the form of advanced irrigation and desalination to respond to climate change.
Often referred to as the Mediterranean Manhattan, the city runs on little sleep and cultivates a youthful vibe. Music and restaurant rich, locals often retire to rooftop clubs to enjoy the evening. Alternatively, the Jaffa Flea Market offers a colourful and authentic option to the hip bustle of the night.
The White City is at Tel Aviv’s city centre. The influx of creatives and architects fleeing Europe in the 1930’s led to the particular rapid growth of Bauhaus style. Today Tel Aviv is home to more examples of Bauhaus than anywhere in the world. Tel Aviv Museum of Art is referred to as the envelope building for its stark angles and bright white exterior. International legends hang next to many activities for kids.
Tel Aviv means the hill of spring in Hebrew and boasts fourteen kilometres of beaches along the Mediterranean seacoast. Large, well-populated and prestigious beaches as well as more secluded and down-to-earth patches of sand are strung together by maintained boardwalks. Tel Aviv’s answer to NYC’s Central park is called HaYarKon, a year-round haven for joggers, cyclists and rugby players.
The Southern Levant experienced human residence, agricultural communities and civilization among the first on the planet. The oldest evidence of early humans in the territory of modern Israel was near the Sea of Galilee and dates back 1.5 million years. The earliest mention of the Israelites dates to an Egyptian from 1,200 BC. Constant Bronze and Iron age migrations constantly pushed the various peoples around up through Persian rule.
Little changed in the way of tumult, shifting populations and displacement through Roman occupations and medieval Crusades. Zionism and the ideologies supporting a Jewish state as a refuge from their historical diaspora took firm hold in the late 1800’s. Directly following the aftermath of World War II, The United Nations finally established early and clear support for the idea of a modern Israel.
