Preservation of the Great Synagogue on Allenby Street

Alongside the extensive infrastructure works for the construction of the light rail on Allenby Street in Tel Aviv, conservation works are currently underway at the historic Great Synagogue on the street. Over the past month, demolition of the external envelope and exposure of the original structure have begun, as part of a process expected to last approximately two and a half years, with an investment of around NIS 107 million.

The project, initiated by the Tel Aviv Foundation in partnership with the Deri Foundation, includes not only the comprehensive preservation of the historic building but also the creation of a new urban square that will serve as an open public space in the heart of the city around the clock. This is a significant initiative aimed at connecting Tel Aviv’s historical heritage with its future vision, creating a vibrant and meaningful urban focal point.

The Great Synagogue, one of the city’s most impressive and historically significant buildings, is undergoing a comprehensive renewal after decades of decline. The works include architectural conservation and structural reinforcement, thorough cleaning of the stone façades, restoration of the monumental dome, and the return of the stained-glass windows to their original condition. In parallel, the exterior columns added in the 1960s will be removed, and the building will be reconnected to the street and the public realm through the new urban square.