Abrasha Park

During our visit to Israel, Marty and I stopped at an overlook in Abrasha Park, high above the shoreline of Old Jaffa. From this peaceful spot, we could look north along the Mediterranean coast toward the modern skyline of Tel Aviv. The view brought two very different sides of Israel together: the ancient city of Jaffa in the foreground and the towers of a much younger city rising in the distance.

Known in biblical times as Joppa, Jaffa developed around one of the world’s oldest ports. For thousands of years, its harbor served as a gateway through which sailors, merchants, pilgrims, immigrants, and conquering armies entered the region. Timber used in the construction of Solomon’s Temple was brought through Joppa, and the prophet Jonah is said to have departed from its harbor before the storm and his encounter with the great fish. The New Testament also associates Joppa with the Apostle Peter and his restoration of Tabitha to life.

Jaffa continued to prosper as a port and commercial center through many different periods of history. Its name became known around the world through the export of Jaffa oranges, while its harbor welcomed generations of travelers arriving in the Holy Land. Today, the old city preserves its winding lanes, stone buildings, churches, galleries, archaeological remains, and views of the sea.

Tel Aviv was founded just north of Jaffa in 1909 and grew rapidly into the modern city seen behind us. The two communities were eventually united as Tel Aviv–Jaffa, creating a place where thousands of years of history exist beside contemporary Israeli life.

Standing together above the water, Marty and I were surrounded by the history of Old Jaffa while looking toward the energy and growth of Tel Aviv. It was a lovely place to pause, take in the view, and appreciate how the ancient and modern worlds meet along Israel’s Mediterranean coast.