Basel Street

Basel Street (Hebrew: רחוב בזל, romanized: Rehov Basel) is a major street in Tel Aviv, Israel named after the Swiss city of Basel, where the First World Zionist Congress took place in 1897 under the leadership of Theodor Herzl.

The street runs from Dizengoff Street to Ibn Gabirol Street and is 650 meters long. The city is famous for its many fashionable boutiques and coffee shops. The street lends its name to the entire area of surrounding streets which is commonly referred to as the "Basel Compound" (Hebrew: מתחם בזל, romanized: Mitham Basel).

History
The street is part of the historical development of the area of Tel Aviv which is now referred to as the "Old North" (Hebrew: הצפון הישן, romanized: Hatzafon Hayashan). The neighborhood was built between the 1930s and 1940s and with its wide streets and numerous green spaces immediately became one of the most fashionable districts for the affluent population of the city. The street was named in honor of the city of Basel in Switzerland and Theodor Herzl's quote after the first World Zionist Congress of 1897: "I founded the Jewish state in Basel".

Today the street is known for its upscale shops and restaurants.