Nestled in the southeastern reaches of Tel Aviv, Yad Eliyahu beckons with its rich history and vibrant community spirit. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the secrets and treasures of this dynamic neighborhood.
A Glimpse into History
Yad Eliyahu takes its name from Eliyahu Golomb, a revered figure in the Hagana, Israel’s pre-state military organization. Its roots trace back to 1943 when the first 16 houses were erected to accommodate families previously housed in barracks. Initially dubbed “Zeblawi Lands,” the neighborhood’s official establishment came in 1945, catering to British army veterans transitioning to civilian life. Over the years, it burgeoned into Tel Aviv’s largest neighborhood, now home to approximately 6,500 families.
Neighborhood Highlights
Sports Mecca: Yad Eliyahu boasts the renowned Menorah Mivathim Arena, the beloved home court of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club, drawing sports enthusiasts from far and wide.
Green Spaces: Wander through Lands Garden, honoring Dr. Stephan Lands, who was killed in the First Lebanon War on June 6, 1982, when the helicopter he was flying with medical personnel was shot down near Nabatia. The garden includes a play area for children, a waterfall, and an artificial hill that seals the noise from the busy roads in the vicinity.
Moshe Larom wrote about the garden in the journal “Israeli Architecture” (issue 3): “The residents of the area, living in the threatening traffic jungle, can find a place of refuge and relaxation in it. The artificial hill functions as a protective wall for the garden behind it on one side, and as a base for the soul-restoring waterfall, whose sounds fight with the noise of the traffic, on the other hand.”
Cultural and Community Centers: Explore the Helen Keller House, housing the Association of the Deaf and the Center for Independent Living, epitomizing Yad Eliyahu’s commitment to inclusivity and support for its residents.
Commercial Hub: Marvel at the bustling commercial complex, where modern office buildings house governmental offices, including the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education, alongside the iconic Magen David Adom headquarters.
Cinerama Theater: While the Cinerama Hall, with its distinctive circular structure, maybe a relic of the past, its legacy lives on in the memories of Tel Avivians. The Cinerama was a building at Yigal Alon St. that was the only movie theater in Israel that screened movies using the Cinerama method and later became a theater for shows and television broadcasts. The round building was a landmark in the Tel Aviv landscape. In August 2016 the building was demolished and since then there has been a parking lot on it. There is a plan for three towers with a height of up to 46 floors for employment, offices, residences, commerce, and public areas.
Reot Medical Center: Founded in 1961, this center stands as a beacon of healthcare excellence, offering rehabilitation and treatment for chronic illnesses. Reot is a rehabilitation hospital that combines rehabilitation and geriatrics services. The hospital is a university hospital, affiliated with the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Tel Aviv University.
The hospital treats patients who need rehabilitation services after a car accident, stroke, injuries, surgeries, amputations, and chronic and prolonged illnesses.
Chabad Institutions: Since 1995, the heart of Tel Aviv’s Chabad institutions beats in Yad Eliyahu, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef Shmuel Gerlitzky.
Educational Institutions: From the Yeshiva “Netivot Yitzchak” to the State Heroes of Israel School, Yad Eliyahu boasts diverse educational opportunities, nurturing young minds and shaping future leaders.
In the past, the historic pool “Galit” was located in the neighborhood. After it was destroyed, “Galit Park”, a skate park, was established in its place, which was inaugurated on October 30, 2007.
Conclusion
Yad Eliyahu may not be the most well-known neighborhood in Tel Aviv, but it’s certainly worth exploring for its rich history, vibrant culture, and passionate community. Whether you’re drawn to its sporting fervor, cultural landmarks, or educational institutions, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood. So, come, immerse yourself in the spirit of Yad Eliyahu, and uncover the myriad treasures it holds dear.
