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How is Theodor Herzlâs novel Altneuland connected to Tel Avivâs name?
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Tel AvivâYafo
Beach and high-rise buildings in Tel AvivâYafo, Israel.
Tel Aviv was named after the 1902 novel Altneuland (Old New Land) by Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism.1
In his novel, Herzl presented his vision for a new Jewish state. When the book was translated into Hebrew, the title was rendered as "Tel Aviv," which translates to "Spring Hill." The name also carries a biblical connection, as it is mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel as a settlement of Jewish exiles in Babylonia.1