Tel Aviv: The Vibrant Heart of Israel

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהִתְרָאוֹת
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתּוֹדָה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?איך אתה?
  [Eich Ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואת?
  [Tov. Ve'at?]
• Do you speak English?אתה מדבר אנגלית?
  [Ata Medaber Anglit?]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [Ani Lo Mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאשמח לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [Eshmech lirot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [Ani Lo Ochel Basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [Lechaim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאשמח לשלם, בבקשה
  [Eshmech lisholm, bevakasha]

• Help!עזור!
  [Ezor!]
• Go away!לך לעבור!
  [Lech leavor!]
• Call the Police!תתקשר למשטרה!
  [Titkasher lameshara!]
• Call a doctor!תתקשר לרופא!
  [Titkasher laroef!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [Ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [Ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אשמח לקנות...
  [Eshmech liknot...]
• I'm just lookingרק נראה לי
  [Rak nireh li]
• How much is it?כמה זה עולה?
  [Kama ze ole?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [Ze yakar madi]
• Can you lower the price?אתה יכול להוריד את המחיר?
  [Ata yachol lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?מה השעה?
  [Ma hashaa?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה אחת
  [Hashaa achat]
• Half past (10)חצי לעשר
  [Chatzi laeser]
• Morningבוקר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [Tzohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [Etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [Mahar]
• 1אחד
  [Echad]
• 2שניים
  [Shnayim]
• 3שלושה
  [Shlosha]
• 4ארבעה
  [Arbaa]
• 5חמישה
  [Chamesha]
• 6שישה
  [Shisha]
• 7שבעה
  [Sheva]
• 8שמונה
  [Shmoneh]
• 9תשעה
  [Tishah]
• 10עשרה
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה יש...
  [Eifo yesh...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [Ma hakatovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [Ata yachol leharot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [Matai haotobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל...)
  [Kartis (le...)]

In 1909, Tel Aviv was founded by a group of Jewish families on the sand dunes north of the ancient port city of Jaffa. Originally called 'Ahuzat Bayit,' the neighborhood was renamed Tel Aviv, which means 'Hill of Spring,' symbolizing renewal and a fresh start. This marked the beginning of the first modern Hebrew city in the world.

During the 1930s, Tel Aviv experienced a surge in population due to Jewish immigration from Europe. This period saw the construction of over 4,000 buildings in the Bauhaus or International Style, earning the city the nickname 'The White City.' These buildings were designed by German Jewish architects who fled the rise of the Nazis. In 2003, the White City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On May 14, 1948, in a small house on Rothschild Boulevard, David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. This watershed moment in Jewish history took place in Tel Aviv and marked the end of the British Mandate in Palestine. The declaration was a pivotal event that led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Tel Aviv was on high alert as the conflict raged between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria. The war had a profound impact on the city's residents, with many being called up for military service and the city under the constant threat of attack.

On November 4, 1995, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in Tel Aviv's Kings of Israel Square (now Rabin Square) after a peace rally. The assassination was carried out by a Jewish extremist opposed to Rabin's peace efforts with the Palestinians. This tragic event shocked the nation and had lasting implications for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Tel Aviv is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes a plethora of theaters, art galleries, and music venues. The city is home to the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theatre, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Its cultural dynamism has cemented Tel Aviv's status as the cultural capital of Israel.

Tel Aviv is celebrated for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights and hosts one of the world's most prominent Gay Pride parades. This event attracts tens of thousands of participants from around the globe each year, reflecting the city's reputation as a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

In recent decades, Tel Aviv has earned the nickname 'Silicon Wadi' due to its thriving tech industry. The city is at the heart of Israel's startup ecosystem, boasting numerous tech companies, incubators, and venture capital firms. This tech boom has had a significant impact on the local economy and global innovation.

Tel Aviv is served by Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), which is about 20 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, train, or bus to reach different parts of Tel Aviv. The train ride to the city center takes about 20 minutes, while taxis and shuttle services offer more direct routes.

Tel Aviv has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and shared taxis known as 'sheruts'. The city is also very bike-friendly with bike-sharing services like Tel-O-Fun available. For short distances, walking is often the best option. If you prefer driving, car rentals are widely available, but be mindful of traffic and parking restrictions.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many of them offer the option to withdraw cash in multiple currencies.

Tel Aviv is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it has areas where you should exercise caution. Avoid the southern neighborhoods of Neve Sha'anan and parts of the Central Bus Station area at night, as these areas have higher crime rates targeting tourists. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be cautious of pickpockets.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Most emergency operators speak English. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city and many are open 24/7.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites; casual wear is acceptable in most other places. Religion: Do respect the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, when many businesses close. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when boarding buses or trains. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like hummus and falafel. Don't refuse offers of hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tel Aviv like a local, visit the Carmel Market for fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy the city's beaches and take a walk or bike ride along the Tayelet promenade. Explore the neighborhoods of Neve Tzedek and Florentin for their unique architecture and vibrant street art. Don't miss the nightlife in Rothschild Boulevard and the Port of Tel Aviv.