Bat Yam celebrates: Historical treasures revealed ahead of the city's 100th anniversary

Three private collectors recently arrived at the Bat Yam municipality, carrying an extraordinary historical treasure: original deeds for city lands, old bus tickets, letters, postcards, and official documents from the early days of the settlement. This exciting discovery comes in the midst of preparations to mark one hundred years since the city's founding.

Among the items revealed for the first time are an original document for the sale of shares in the "Beit VeGan" company—the city's original name before it was changed to Bat Yam—an outdated voter registry, and personal correspondence of the first residents. Beyond the documents, the collectors presented rare photographs and drawings documenting familiar city sites while they were still surrounded by shifting sands and wilderness, long before they became the heart of the urban environment known today.

Mayor Tzvika Brot did not hide his excitement at the sight of the findings:

"These are historical documents through which we better understand the wonderful story of our city. We received, for example, many drawings and photographs that show us the monuments familiar to us within the urban environment, when there was wilderness around them. We also received a document for the sale of shares in 'Beit VeGan', a voter registry, and other wonderful items."

The Jaffa neighborhood that threatened the axis to Jerusalem

Bat Yam was founded in 1926, and not many know that its establishment served a distinct security and strategic need for the Jewish Yishuv at the time. "The city was founded with the intention of securing the axis from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Brot explains. "The convoys to and from Jerusalem were caught in sniper fire from Jabalia, which is today a neighborhood in Jaffa." According to him, the establishment of Bat Yam—under the name "Beit VeGan"—created a continuity that allowed for safer travel to the capital.

Looking ahead, the mayor summarized his vision for the future: "The first hundred years of the city are a good start. I wish for Bat Yam that it will not be a city only with a glorious past, but with a present and future that will fulfill the promise of an advanced, innovative city, and a new message for Gush Dan."

Upcoming events

The 100th anniversary celebrations of Bat Yam will open with a ceremony in the presence of President Isaac Herzog, who will launch an unprecedented marathon of events for residents. The "Elbi" complex will host a long line of stars including Noa Kirel, Peer Tasi, Berry Sakharof, Rita, and Marina Maximilian. Later in August, residents will enjoy Saturday night events on the promenade, the return of the spectacular fountain show at Nordau Park, massive performances at the municipal amphitheater by Hanan Ben Ari and Ishay Ribo, as well as the traditional "Love on the Beach" festival featuring Eden Ben Zaken, Aviv Geffen, and Ravid Plotnik.

The municipality stated that a wide variety of events will be open to the general public at no cost, alongside subsidized tickets for city residents, with the goal of bringing the celebrations to every neighborhood and every age.