The Fascinating History of Ben Yehuda Street
If you’ve been to Tel Aviv, you know that Ben Yehuda Street is one of the most iconic and hip streets in the city. Running from Allenby Street in the south to its northern tip where it joins Dizengoff Street, it is also one of the longest and certainly one of the most vibrant.
Lined with trendy designer shops, sidewalk cafes, delicious bakeries, and a plethora of supermarkets and pharmacies, you can find just about anything you need on Ben Yehuda Street. It’s also a great choice for finding large furnished business apartments in Tel Aviv for three months or more. Lively, practical and hip, Ben Yehuda Street is also super convenient.
With buses running all day and the “sherut” number 4 (a no-nonsense minivan whose name literally means “service”), staying in a furnished corporate apartment on this famous street is a great choice. In fact at TLV2GO, our business apartments for rent on Ben Yehuda Street are without a doubt some of the most popular.
So what’s the story with this street’s history? Its nomenclature comes from one of Palestine’s most famous Zionist leaders, Eliezer Ben Yehuda. Credited with reviving the Hebrew language in the late 1800s, this famous pioneer worked tirelessly to bring modern Hebrew to life. His son, who was born in 1882, is famed to be the first child in Palestine (Israel didn’t become a state until 1948) to hear and speak only Hebrew.
In 1884, Ben Yehuda started publishing Ha’Tzvi (The Deer) in order to further the adoption of Hebrew among the Jewish people – especially the ones living in Palestine. As a lexicographer, Ben Yehuda also coined new Hebrew names for common objects. To debate and confirm the official terminology, pronunciation, punctuation and spelling of modern Hebrew, he founded the Hebrew Language Council in 1890.
Although the Orthodox Jews resented Ben Yehuda’s revival of what they considered to be the ‘holy tongue’ – and even managed to get him thrown in prison for a brief stint–he is still credited today with the successful revival of Hebrew. In fact, just a month before he died in 1922, the British Mandate recognized Hebrew as the official state language.
In order to honor his important achievements, the city of Tel Aviv named one of the newly constructed streets for him a few years after he passed away. So although he died shortly after the British Mandate passed, Ben Yehuda did live to see the achievement of his lifelong goal: to revive ancient Hebrew and turn it into the official language. Although it would be several more decades until Israel became a state, the recognition in 1922 of Hebrew by the British confirmed the success of its revival. By then, Hebrew was spoken by most people and the Jews who arrived were quickly taught to speak in ‘ulpans,’ modern language schools. The official translation of this is ‘studio,’ and today these state run linguistic centers are all over the country. They continue to teach new immigrants and tourists alike modern Hebrew quickly and efficiently.
These days Ben Yehuda Street is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of shops. If you’re seeking Ben Yehuda business apartments for rent for short or long stays, you’ll find plenty of options on this street. Many large furnished business apartments in Tel Aviv that cater to professionals who want to stay in the heart of the city are here. In fact, some of our most popular and luxurious options at TLV2GO are on Ben Yehuda Street.
And if you’re a foodie, get ready to delight your taste buds. From high-end vegan fare to street food like hummus, falafel and shawarma, the culinary choices on Ben Yehuda street are unparalleled. Some of Tel Aviv’s most famous restaurants are also here. Ranging in style from the uber expensive, famous chef restaurants like Shila (named after chef Sharon Cohen’s dog, whose portrait adorns the wall above the bar in homage) to the relatively inexpensive Barbounia, a grungy, blue collar fish restaurant that serves a huge variety of delicious salads and fresh seafood how you like it, complete with old school soda water and fluorescent lighting.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of businesses, there is truly something for everyone on Ben Yehuda Street. Whether you’re into designer jewelry or hand-painted skateboards, this long street that runs parallel to the seaside promenade is loaded with unique shops and art galleries. Many of the sublets in Tel Aviv are also here, including large furnished business apartments that cater to professionals. There’s nothing better than staying in the heart of the city and getting to experience life like a local while you work.
Aside from the diverse shopping and great food, Ben Yehuda Street is also a great place to soak up the local culture and history. As you stroll down the street, you’ll see beautiful Bauhaus architecture, a style that’s synonymous with Tel Aviv’s unique cultural identity. You’ll also find street art and murals that showcase the city’s vibrant arts scene.
If you’re visiting Tel Aviv for business travel, Ben Yehuda Street is the perfect place to stay. Not only will you be in the heart of the city, but you’ll also have easy access to everything that Tel Aviv has to offer. Whether you want to explore the beach or the local museums, everything is just a short distance away. And unlike buses, the minivans run late into the night and on Saturdays.
Famed today for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thriving startup culture, Tel Aviv also has a rich and fascinating history. As a contemporary hub for innovation and creativity, it’s a great place to do business.
