Tech Aviv

The refreshing, pleasantly-warm Mediterranean waters rushed over my feet as I strolled down the Tel Aviv coastline. The beach was filled with Israelis, taking part in a wide variety of activities. Many were laying down in the sun, soaking up the warm Friday. Some were playing with their dogs, which were running wildly across the beach.

The Tel Aviv beach reminds me of Miami in the sense that there are glamorous hotels across the beach's boardwalk. Tel Aviv is also referred to as the New York City of Israel, because it creates a hip, international, and innovative aura to the country. Tel Aviv is the country's largest economic center with modern restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.

When I visited Tel Aviv with my program, we went on a tour of Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world. The city of Jaffa is mentioned in the Jewish Bible, dating back to the times of King Soloman. In 1950, Jaffa formally merged with the Tel Aviv municipality, creating a unified city.

Jaffa's ancient history contrasts the rising tech hub that is Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv, referred to as the 'start-up nation,' has the largest number ofstart-ups per capita. The vibrant environment of Tel Aviv contributes to its title as the world's second most innovative city of 2012.

We delved deeper into the city's thriving start-up community with a presentation at the The Library in Tel Aviv's business district. The Library provides a co-working space for tech start-ups to develop their ideas and hold meetings and events. The Tel Aviv Municipality funds The Library as a way to foster a community of creative entrepreneurs.

The joke in Israel is either you're a Jerusalem person or a Tel Aviv person. Jerusalem caters to the religious Jew because of its history, its connection to the Torah, its kosher restaurants, abundance of shuls, and religious communities. Whereas, Tel Aviv is not as religious and instead, the city depicts another side of Israel. This depiction is a flourishing city of beautiful beaches, global businesses, a spirited night life, and an energetic culture.

Shalom for now!

-Camille Pilar Phillips