It’s quite disappointing that the original gymnasium was torn down, however, on the positive side, the Shalom Meir Tower was the first skyscraper in the Middle East. That also represents progress and civilization in some way.
Mazal Tov! It’s a really inspiring essay. “Tel Aviv’s founding is not just history. It’s proof. Proof that something lasting and magnificent can be built from nothing but a rational vision and the courage to pursue it relentlessly.” - in what sense do you think the early Zionist vision was rational? Why wouldn’t be more rational for an Eastern European Jew to go to America and build a new city there?
For the idealist, it's the most rational decision you can make. I recommend reading the journal of Akiva Weiss (I doubt there's an English translation). It's clear when you read him that coming to Eretz Israel has made him a happy man who was living life with a profound sense of central purpose, and productivity in a way that was impossible (for him), anywhere else.
It really depends on one's values for that decision to be rational.
Yes I agree with this answer. It’s a fascinating question though. In the last 100+ years, Jews had a recurring choice between America & Israel. How did they choose? It wasn’t always material conditions. What is there to say, I myself moved to America although could have moved to Israel! Despite being a hard-line Zionist, I only briefly considered Israel, because I knew that America was better for scientific career, and math was more important to me than Zionism.
But I am going to make Aliyah with my wife eventually eventually… hopefully we’ll make Israel better than America so that others won’t have to choose anymore :)
What a great essay! Thanks. I lived in Tel Aviv for about 5 month in 1998. I have fond memories of walking the streets and relaxing on the beach. I hope get back some day.
It’s quite disappointing that the original gymnasium was torn down, however, on the positive side, the Shalom Meir Tower was the first skyscraper in the Middle East. That also represents progress and civilization in some way.
Mazal Tov! It’s a really inspiring essay. “Tel Aviv’s founding is not just history. It’s proof. Proof that something lasting and magnificent can be built from nothing but a rational vision and the courage to pursue it relentlessly.” - in what sense do you think the early Zionist vision was rational? Why wouldn’t be more rational for an Eastern European Jew to go to America and build a new city there?
Thank you!
For the materialist, it's irrational.
For the idealist, it's the most rational decision you can make. I recommend reading the journal of Akiva Weiss (I doubt there's an English translation). It's clear when you read him that coming to Eretz Israel has made him a happy man who was living life with a profound sense of central purpose, and productivity in a way that was impossible (for him), anywhere else.
It really depends on one's values for that decision to be rational.
Yes I agree with this answer. It’s a fascinating question though. In the last 100+ years, Jews had a recurring choice between America & Israel. How did they choose? It wasn’t always material conditions. What is there to say, I myself moved to America although could have moved to Israel! Despite being a hard-line Zionist, I only briefly considered Israel, because I knew that America was better for scientific career, and math was more important to me than Zionism.
But I am going to make Aliyah with my wife eventually eventually… hopefully we’ll make Israel better than America so that others won’t have to choose anymore :)
Amen to that.
What a great essay! Thanks. I lived in Tel Aviv for about 5 month in 1998. I have fond memories of walking the streets and relaxing on the beach. I hope get back some day.
Beloved and amazing city. Thank you for the history information.