Independence Hall, Tel Aviv

Independence Hall, first known as the Dizengoff House, is the place where Israel's Declaration of Independence was signed. Located on the famous Rothschild Boulevard, it was used as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art from 1932 until 1971. Today, it's a museum focused on the Israeli Declaration of Independence and Tel Aviv's history.

The story begins in 1909 when 66 families came together on April 11 near the current site of Independence Hall. They held a lottery for land in a new Jewish neighborhood, named Ahuzat Bayit. Meir and Zina Dizengoff got plot number 43 and built their house there. Meir Dizengoff led the neighborhood council. In 1910, influenced by Theodor Herzl's "Old-New Land," the residents of Ahuzat Bayit unanimously decided to rename their area Tel Aviv. As it grew into a city, Dizengoff was elected its first mayor.

In 1930, following his wife's death, Dizengoff gave his house to Tel Aviv, asking for it to become a museum. After renovations, it opened as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in 1932 and stayed there until 1971.

A pivotal moment occurred in this building's main hall at 4 PM on May 14, 1948. David Ben-Gurion, in front of the Vaad Leumi (Jewish National Council) and Yishuv leaders, declared the State of Israel's establishment, hours before the British Mandate of Palestine was set to end. After Ben-Gurion read the Declaration, Rabbi Fischman (Maimon) recited a traditional blessing, and the Declaration was signed. The event ended with the singing of Hatikvah, now the national anthem of Israel.

In 1978, Independence Hall was renovated to look like it did during the declaration of independence. It's now open to the public, showcasing the declaration's signing and the evolution of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

Why You Should Visit:
A great place to learn about the events leading up to the Declaration of the State of Israel.

Tip:
Be sure to make advance reservations and join a group tour, or at least to watch a video presentation if you do not have a guide.