- Address: Segev, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel;
- Construction: from 1973 to 1975;
- Sculptor: Daniel Caffrey.
Many sculptors in Israel tried to depict various aspects of the life of the Jewish people in their works. This was especially successful in Daniel Kaffri. His famous Gate of Faith in Jaffa, apart from the original and fascinating sculptural composition, has a deep sacral-national meaning. In one stone arch, the author managed to reflect several historical periods at once, to show the hard way of the Jews to achieve their main goal - to acquire the right to live and raise children in their native land.
History of creation of the gate
The initiators of the creation of an unusual monument in the form of a large arch with many sculptural elements were Mordechai and Moshe Meir, who became famous all over Israel in 1965, having built the highest skyscraper in the Middle East at that time - the tower Migdal Shalom Meir. They decided to dedicate a new architectural monument to the deceased brother Binyamin, and to implement his idea, invited the high hopes of the sculptor - Daniel Kafri. Despite his young age, Daniel, who was barely 28 years old, already had several excellent works and was widely known in the circle of artists. Kafri was born in Slovakia, but lived there not long, only 4 years, then moved with his family to Israel.
Initially, the Gate of Faith wanted to establish on the sea coast in order to strengthen their semantic message - to emphasize the boundary between the endless rebellious sea and the Holy Israeli land. Then the creators planned to move the stone arch to the main shrine of all Jews, Christians and Muslims - the city of Jerusalem. But after long discussions it was decided to choose the location of the Gate of Faith of ancient Jaffa, which even becoming a part of Tel-Aviv, has not lost its authenticity and special architectural and cultural charm.
We installed an arch in one of the most beautiful city parks - Abrasha, which is named after the famous political figure of Israel, Abraham Shekhterman. To place the sculpture, the place on the hill was chosen on the top of the Gikoliniya hill to emphasize the main idea of the monument - the legal right of the Jews to their land. Work on the gates lasted 2 years (from 1973 to 1975).
Stylistic features
Art critics attribute the Gate of Faith in Jaffa to sculptures in the Art Nouveau style. The design of the arch is quite simple - it consists of three 4-meter pillars. Two of them are installed vertically, one lies horizontally from above. The arch has an unusual basis. It stands on stones that have been removed from the Wailing Wall . Therefore, without even visiting Jerusalem , you can touch a part of his famous shrine.
From a distance it may seem that the Gate of Faith is simply beautiful curly columns with a carved beam. But if you look closely, you can see separate story stories on each column.
The first column is illustrated by a well-known biblical story, narrating how Abraham performed the ritual of "sacrifice". Under a certain foreshortening, one can clearly see how Abraham raises Yitzhak over his head, bending over the lamb.
The second pillar "tells" the story of the dream of Jacob, where the Almighty gave him the promise to own the Promised Land. Immediately, there are two angels hovering above and symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth - "The Ladder of Jacob".
The horizontal part of the Gate of Faith in Jaffa demonstrates another important event in the life of the Jewish people - the taking of Jericho. The army of koenis marches along the walls of the city, holding swords, shofaras and the Ark of the Covenant in their hands.
There is a belief that one who passes through the Gate of Faith, making a wish, can count on its speedy execution. But it is important to observe a certain ritual. If you want the desire to really come true, go around the Gate of Faith on the left side, then slowly turn to face them, close your eyes and slowly pass through the arch, touching the palm to one of the pillars.
How to get there?
The Gate of Faith is located in the park area of Jaffa, so it will be necessary to walk about 400 meters to the bus stops. On the street Yefet bus number 10 stops, and on the street Mifrats Shlomo Promenade bus number 100.
Near the park there are several car parks, including free parking. It is more convenient to drive by car from the HaTsorfim street.