In 1909 a Jewish town was established on the sand dunes just north of Jaffa-it was called Tel Aviv, the Hebrew for 'Hill of Spring'. It came to be known as 'the first all-Jewish city'. The Jewish population of nearby Jaffa, originally about 1,000 strong, had risen by immigration to more than 8,000. As a result, conditions of life in Jaffa had become as crowded and uncomfortable as in the Russian towns from which most of the immigrants had come-sometimes even more so. The new town provided welcome space. It also freed the immigrants from dependence on Arab landlords, who could raise rents at whim.
In 1909, a new Jewish town was founded on the sand dunes north of Jaffa, named Tel Aviv, meaning 'Hill of Spring.' This town emerged as the first all-Jewish city, reflecting a significant increase in the Jewish population in nearby Jaffa, which grew from 1,000 to over 8,000 due to immigration. The influx of people created challenging living conditions in Jaffa, making it difficult for residents who had fled overcrowded situations in Russia.
Tel Aviv offered a much-needed alternative, providing more physical space and alleviating the pressures of crowded living. Additionally, it allowed Jewish immigrants to escape reliance on Arab landlords who could arbitrarily increase rents. The establishment of Tel Aviv marked a pivotal moment for the Jewish community, as it enabled them to cultivate a more independent and sustainable urban life.
