Kerem HaTeimanim

File:Yemenite Painting.jpg

A oil painting of the neighbourhood

File:Kerem HaTemanim Locals.jpg

Oriental Zionist Inhabitants of the neighbourhood

Kerem HaTemanim is a Yemenite Israeli neighbourhood in within Tel Aviv-Yafo. It's English translation is literally 'Yemenite Vineyard'. It's population is estimated at around 80,000 (Source: [Chayas.com]), the majority of them being Yemenite Jews. It is located near Carmel Market and Allenby Street, and is a short walk from Geula Beach. Unlike other Tel-Avivian neighbourhoods, it is quite religious, mainly in part to the high observance rate of the Yemenite pioneers who built the neighbourhood. The majority of the descendants of those pioneers still inhabit the neighbourhood today.

History

Kerem HaTemanim was officially established in 1903, with consecration taking place between the years of 1902-1908 as an early neighbourhood in the growing pioneer city of Tel-Aviv by recent immigrant Yemenite Jews, who had a Zionist ideology based on oriental and spritual lines, rather than political or revisionist lines. However, it was known for it's staunch Etzel and Stern gang support, although many of it's residents were part of the Haganah. Its architecture was based on the designs of the former Jewish ghettos in Yemen, with Colonial and Hebrew features. Over the years it produced many famous Israeli personalities including Likud and Knesset Member Michael Ratzon, Dan Sharabi, Boaz Sharabi and Israeli Footballer Pini Balili. In the early 90's, it underwent a massive refurbishment campaign and was restored to its former glory in early 2000. In late 2004, it saw the building of the Lev HaYir Tower (see link), which became the neighbourhood's tallest building. Moreover, the tower holds a public libary, offices and several commercial businesses.

Current Status

Today, the neighbourhood is being gentrified with new residents, both secular and religious. It is known as the spritual center of Tel-Aviv Yafo, most probably due to the long standing traditions of Torah and Culture in the neighbourhood, and ultra-observancy of Judaism, in comparison to the majority secular populace within the city, and holds several Yeshivot, Ulpanim and Kollels, as well as it's famous eateries including "Zion" and "Medina". It is probably the biggest Yemenite Jewish community in the world, and is growing, aided by the linkage of the neighbourhood to the soon-to-be Tel-Aviv Subway and widening of the roads within the center of the neighbourhood. It is described as a lower middle-class neighbourhood, with moderate foreign influences. There are also many Ashkenazim, Italkim and Sefardim who live in and around the outskirts of the neighbourhood.