Tel Aviv Centennial

Founded on the sand dunes north of the old sea port of Jaffa 100 years ago, Tel Aviv has become the bustling cultural and economic heart of Israel.

Envisioned as the main gateway into Israel, the city has developed into an exciting and dynamic city that's always on the go. Three million pass through the city every day.

In 2003, UNESCO declared it a world heritage site because of the restoration work to the city's many Bauhaus buildings, and the New York Timesrecently labeled it "the capital of Mediterranean cool".

In honor of the city's centennial, dozens of celebrations are planned for the year ahead, from city marathons, to white nights, art exhibitions, and cultural events.

Organizers hope the centennial festivities will do for Tel Aviv what the Beijing Olympics did for China's capital.