The court decided: The renovation of the synagogue in Tel Aviv is underway. The District Court on Monday gave approval for the start of renovations of the Great Synagogue complex in Tel Aviv, with the renovations including the conversion of the parking lot into a square. As part of the work, the synagogue will be renovated at an investment of NIS 60 million, which will be divided equally between the Tel Aviv Municipality, the Tel Aviv Foundation and businessman Patrick Drahi.
Over the past few years, the owners of nearby businesses have filed four petitions against the move, claiming that it blocks access to them. As stated, the District Court ruled today, after a cumbersome legal battle, that the massive renovation was carried out, despite the petitions.
Albany Street (archive), photo: Yehoshua Yosef
The cornerstone of the city's Great Synagogue was laid about a century ago, in 1924, but the construction of the synagogue was delayed due to lack of funds. The person who saved the situation and contributed to the completion of the construction was none other than Baron Rothschild.
The appearance and character of the synagogue were influenced by a variety of styles, each reflecting the stages of construction and perception that characterized the period, ranging from oriental to modern. In its early years, the place was a gathering hall and cultural center for the residents of young Tel Aviv. After the establishment of the State of Israel and with the growth of Tel Aviv, the building lost its centrality and became an almost abandoned building. During the 60s, the building underwent renovation by architects Abba Elhanani and Nissan Canaan in order to try to give it a more modern look.
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