Why Is the Israeli Philharmonic Performing at the Tel Aviv Port this Week? Because They're Both Celebrating 75th Birthdays

The new Tel Aviv port breakwater

The renovated Tel Aviv Port is a beautiful location for a romantic dinner or a stroll along the boardwalk.  But as the site for a series of classical concerts by the world-renowned Israel Philharmonic Orchestra?  With performances  with singer Ahinoam Nini and famous cantors? 

Arturo Toscanini visiting the Dead Sea resort. Pictures of the
first concert are not in the Library of Congress collection

Yes, the Port and the IPO will be celebrating together their 75th birthdays. 

Both were created because of the adversity Jews faced in Palestine and in Europe.

The Arab Revolt of 1936-1939 shut down the Jaffa Port, and the Jewish population of Palestine, centered around Tel Aviv, required a port.

 Meanwhile, as anti-Jewish sentiments and laws were endangering the Jews of Europe, Jewish musicians found themselves out of work. Seventy-five instrumentalists were recruited and immigrated to Palestine to form the new orchestra.  The Symphony's first concert was conducted by the world-famous Arturo Toscanini in Tel Aviv on Dec. 26, 1936.

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday!

Ferry brings passengers from a larger
ship to the Tel Aviv port



Driving piles during Tel Aviv
port construction



Chief Rabbi Isaac Herzog dedicating the
new port of Tel Aviv