Last year was one of gala celebrations throughout Tel Aviv as the first Hebrew city marked its 100th birthday with a whirlwind of gala events. In all, more than 400 activities including a flower carpet in Rabin Square, top Israeli performers wowing revelers in a grand kickoff performance, and a special Milan opera house performance of ‘Aida’—were spread out over nine months. To give bog readers a taste of the experience, Ira Riklis sent us this link to the beautiful YouTube video.
His links to the city go back to those early years when his great grandfather, Zelig Krinkin, opened city’s first pharmacy. (Look closely in the video for an old-time photo of an early pharmacy’ one of the individuals shown there just may be Zelig himself.) Ira Riklis’ connection continues to this day. Recognizing that in the midst of the city’s achievements and modern wonders pockets of great poverty still exist, he’s been a staunch supporter of the American Friends of Tel Aviv Foundation for the past twenty years.