Städte am Meer

Tel Aviv was once the harbour of refuge for Jews from the Diaspora; today the flow of voluntary immigrants continues unabated. The documentary paints a multi-faceted picture of Israel's second largest city, whose name means something like "hill of spring". Tel Aviv was literally built on sand after Jewish families used shells from the beach in 1909 to draw lots on which to build the first houses. Nazi persecution, Stalinist threats and hostility in Arab countries made it a refuge for Jews of countless nationalities. In Israel, they say Jerusalem prays, Haifa works - and Tel Aviv dances! Lifestyle, creativity and individuality are the calling card of the city on the Mediterranean.