South Of Tel Aviv - Rehovot & Rishon leTzion

Rehovot, a quiet and somewhat secluded town, is known primarily for its world-famous Weizmann Institute of Science, a good afternoon jaunt from Tel Aviv. The institute is named for Israel’s first president, Dr. Hayim Weizmann, who was also a research chemist. During World War I, Weizmann discovered an innovative way to produce acetone, which proved essential to the British military effort (as well as to nail polish removal). Weizmann’s discovery, combined with his formidable character and arguments, helped persuade Lord Balfour to issue the famous 1917 Balfour Declaration favoring the establishment of a Jewish national homeland.

A barren stretch of scrubland has been transformed, through the miracle of irrigation, into the groomed expanse of the institute’s campus. In the southeast corner of the institute stands the Weizmann House (tel. 34 32 30 or 34 33 28), an elegant example of early International style (designed by Erich Mendelssohn), and Israel’s first presidential residence. Dr. Weizmann is buried adjacent to the house. (Tours Sun.-Thurs. every Vzhr. 10am-3:30pm, NIS4.50.) The forested area near the house will provide some relief for the overheated traveler. Near the main entrance to the institute are the Weizmann Archives, holding Dr. Weizmann’s letters and papers.