The idea to build a separate neighborhood for the Jews in Jaffa arose as early as in 1880s. The old city could no longer accommodate all the citizens. It was overcrowded, noisy and could be called breeding ground for germs. The first attempt to construct such a quarter failed (the developers forgot about a well). Historians say that Neve Tzedek (“Abode of Justice”) appeared on the second try, in 1887. So 48 families got their own land plots of 172 square meters. They rooted in houses that had two rooms, a kitchen and a toilet. What a cutting-edge technology for Jaffa at the time! The houses were immediately adjacent to one another so that the dwellers could be protected from thieves in the area. Despite all its drawbacks, the neighborhood was so different from the old city that newspapers called it “French quarter”.

When Tel Aviv appeared, the two cities began to compete against each other. Neve Tzedek lost the battle to become an abandoned rural settlement in the shadow of the rapidly developing city. In 1970s it was to be demolished but, thanks to enthusiasts, the historical legacy was preserved. Later, in early 1990s, gentrification started. Now the process is at its peak and the neighborhood is a fashionable and quiet but not too touristy place, where it is always pleasant to go for a walk, have dinner or go on a date. Here, far from all the hustle and bustle, the richest citizens in the city and the world find their haven, leading a modest bourgeois lifestyle. According to our intel, Arkady Volozh, a co-founder of the second largest engine in the world settled here.

It must be the major attraction in the area that includes probably the two most rambling buildings, the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theatre. Originally they were used as schools (one for boys and the other for girls), with a related funny legend. Supposedly, the master builder was planning to construct them by efforts of Jewish workers only. The job announcement was published but 80 people came instead of 20 required. Then, the selection process was quite unusual, the builders were asked Jewish riddles. Those who solved them were offered a position. No wonder why the second floor collapsed during the construction process. Luckily, nobody was killed and the buildings still waits on its visitors hand and foot.

In 1950s schools were also used to educate soldiers of the future Israel Defense Forces, which many plaques confirm. Now the buildings house ballet dancers and theater groups.

Note that there is the very first well in Neve Tzedek that developers did not forget about 140 years ago. It is preserved in the patio of the southern (the largest) building.