Sonia Writer: The Port of Jaffa

Hi Everyone!

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Sonia x

The Port Of Jaffa

As I continue my travels in Israel, I have moved on to the lovely Port of Jaffa, which has become a popular spot for tourism in recent years. Jaffa is one of the most ancient cities in the world and is known for its picturesque stone houses and narrow cobbled streets named after the signs of the Zodiac. Since the nineteen sixties it has become home to many artists, who have relocated from the city area of Tel Aviv, establishing an artist's community with many shops and galleries. In the hot summer months, the area is a popular venue for festivals and outdoor events.

According to Christianity, Jaffa was named after Japheth, the son of Noah, who built the port after the Flood. Although, many people believe the name was derived from the Hebrew word ‘Yofi,’ which means beauty. In the western world, it is often associated with the many oranges orchards of the region.

In the harbour there is the famous Andromeda’s rock which according to Greek mythology, was the site at which the beautiful young princess was chained (naked), as an offering to the sea monster, Cetus. Andromeda was rescued by the very dashing Perseus who had just slain the Gorgon, Medusa. He instantly fell in love with the princess, but at their wedding a vicious quarrel took place between Perseus and Phineus, the uncle to whom Andromeda had been promised in marriage. At the reception, the unfortunate Phineus was turned to stone at the sight of the slain Gorgons head! Although the reason why Perseus brought a severed monsters head to his own wedding, remains a mystery.

One of the most notable pieces of sculpture in Jaffa is the Gate of Faith, which is situated in Abrasha Park; the highest point in Jaffa. The sculpture was commissioned in 1974 by Mordechai Meir and completed in 1977 by artist Daniel Kafri. The idea of the sculpture is to symbolise the Jewish resettling of the land and Israeli's right to do so, based upon God’s promise to Abraham. The gate is the symbol of the move to the Promised Land. Passing through the gate is dependent upon fulfilment of the conditions of the covenant; in which the Jewish people promised to obey the Torah and its commandments. The left column represents Jacob's Dream, and the right, the Sacrifice of Isaac. The top section forming the arch depicts the Fall of Jericho.

As well as the lovely port, Jaffa is well known for it’s flee markets and streets of antique shops, which make amusing browsing if you have the time. There are many interesting sights such as The Sea Mosque (the El Bahar Mosque) and the stunning, St. Peters Church, all within easy walking distance from the port and Kedumim Square; which houses an attractive visitors centre with an archaeological site underneath it!

If you are considering a trip to Israel, then Jaffa offers plenty of interest for visitors, who are well catered for with a nice range of restaurants, shops and galleries. Jaffa is part of Tel Aviv and it is only a short journey into the city, which boasts many museums and classic examples of Bauhaus architecture.