Tel Aviv beach
Photo: AP
Frishman Beach at Central Park
As part of Tel Aviv's international centennial events, artificial beaches will be erected in major world cities, including Paris and New York, offering visitors a taste of 'capital of Mediterranean cool'
Manhattan's familiar sceneries will soon receive an interesting addition in the form of an artificial Tel-Aviv-style beach that will be built at the heart of Central Park.
On the occasion of the Israeli city's centennial celebrations next year, the Tel Aviv Municipality and the Foreign Minister decided to erect such Mediterranean "beaches" in New York, Paris (along the river Seine), Vienna (along the Danube) and Copenhagen (along the grand canal).
Central Park, New York. Getting ready for Israeli invasion? (Photo: Sarit Farkol)
The initiative aims at bringing the special spirit of Tel Aviv to those cities, and will offer visitors a chance to listen to Israel's most prominent musicians, buy typical Israeli clothes, surf a surfboard and play beach paddleball.
"It's exciting to think of the 'Little Orange' visiting the 'Big Apple'," said Eitan Schwartz, who represents the Tel-Aviv Yafo Centennial Administration. "After the New York Times has already dubbedTel Aviv 'the Capital of Mediterranean Cool,' it's time for New Yorkers to experience firsthand a whole day of authentic Tel Avivian coolness," he added.
The international centennial celebrations will open in April 2009 and last nine months. Next week MTV Europe will start broadcasting a promotional video featuring Tel Aviv's beaches and night life, in a bid to attract young tourists.
The video will also invite viewers to answer a trivia question, and 10 of those who answer it correctly will receive a full travel package to the coastal city, including flights, hotel rooms and admission to various attractions and events.
