Yarkon from Ten Mills to Assuta Ramat HaHayal. March 02, 2024

In the Roman era, a mill operated on this site with at least twenty pairs of millstones, though the name "Ten Mills" persisted even when only ten were present. This moniker likely dates back to Roman times or earlier. Flour milling on an industrial scale began in the late 19th century when the affluent Arab families, the Bidas and Amoria, constructed a modern mill complex known as 'Tahunat al Hadar.' This mill was the largest along the Yarkon River and one of the Holy Land's most significant.

Today, following restoration, visitors can admire the stone bridge over the Yarkon River, known as Jisr al-Hadar. The Bidas and Amoria families utilized this bridge to create an artificial waterfall, powering the millstones. Notably, it was the sole bridge across the Yarkon for many centuries, dating back to the Crusaders' era.

On March 14, 1799, Napoleon's army crossed this bridge en route from Jaffa to Acre, circumventing a flooded section of the Sharon coast. The bridge is also featured in the memoirs of Judith, wife of Moshe MonteFiori, who visited during their Holy Land trip in 1839.

In 1898, the imperial family of William II journeyed from Haifa to Jaffa, crossing the Yarkon via Jisr al-Hadar, echoing Judith and Moses of Monte Fiori's path sixty years earlier.

During World War I in 1917, the front reached the Yarkon River banks. The Ottoman army was to the north, while the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force was to the south. Between British offensives, the Turks destroyed the bridge and dam, ending the mills' operation.

2023 reconstruction and renovation revived the bridge, transforming the site into a recreational and educational destination, enriching the region's cultural and natural heritage.

The historical route between Jaffa and Shechem, renowned for its significance over centuries, has profoundly influenced the modern geography of the region. The Bridge of Ten Mills, a testament to this history, remains a tangible link to the past. Along this route, the foundation for the modern thoroughfare, established in the 1940s, was laid.

The necessity for a new road arose amidst the backdrop of the Arab Revolt, which led to the closure of the traditional Herzliya to Tel Aviv route. This event compelled Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon residents to seek alternate pathways, significantly complicating their daily commutes. The decision to construct a new road emerged as a response to the pressing needs of the populace, necessitating substantial financial investments, which Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon undertook.

Commencing in 1936, construction faced numerous challenges, including land disputes and political opposition. Despite initial setbacks, the project regained momentum through the collaborative efforts of local committees and the backing of influential figures like Moshe Sharett. In October 1941, the road was officially opened, effectively reducing the distance between Herzliya and Tel Aviv and reinstating the historical route.

This road is a prime example of the harmonious coexistence and mutual enrichment between historical pathways and modern necessities, fostering development and progress in the region while honouring and preserving its rich heritage.

The district of Ramat HaChayal in Tel Aviv, situated in the northeastern part of the city, traces its origins back to the First World War era. Established in the 1940s and initially conceived as a British military base, Ramat HaChayal evolved into a cooperative settlement for Jewish demobilized soldiers who had served in the British forces. The historical roots of this area extend even further, reaching back to the days of Ottoman rule, when the military outpost of Khirbet al-Dara occupied its territory, overseeing a crucial intersection along the Yarkon River.

Following World War II, the landscape underwent notable transformations as the area embarked on a development trajectory, ultimately emerging as one of Tel Aviv's prominent commercial and technological hubs. The evolution of Ramat HaHayal in the late 20th and early 21st centuries positioned it as a veritable "Silicon Valley" on the outskirts of the metropolis, hosting the headquarters of leading global and Israeli technology firms. This revitalized enclave is a beacon of innovation and advancement, seamlessly blending modern architectural designs and cutting-edge technology with verdant landscapes and meticulously crafted spaces for leisure and work.

Yet, amidst its contemporary and comfortable ambience, Ramat HaChayal cherishes its historical legacy. Archaeological discoveries, such as the remnants of settlements, farms, and ancient burial sites unearthed by Yaakov Kaplan and other scholars, bear witness to the area's extensive and diverse history. These findings unveil the vibrant existence that thrived here during the Roman and Samaritan eras, imparting a distinctive historical depth to the locale. Ramat HaChayal epitomizes a remarkable fusion of history and modernity, remaining a place where reverence for the past harmoniously coexists with present and future aspirations.

The Assuta hospitals in Israel are integral to the private medical system of the Maccabi Health Insurance Fund, encompassing diverse departments such as neurosurgery, oncology, general surgery, and other specialities. While the main branch resides in Tel Aviv, the network extends across 11 units throughout Israel, including Ashdod, Haifa, and Ra'anana. Assuta offers a comprehensive array of medical services, from disease treatment to surgical procedures and diagnostic examinations.

In Aramaic, the term "assuta" translates to "healing," epitomizing the core mission and objective of the hospital network - delivering high-quality medical care and treatment to patients.

The Maccabi Health Insurance Fund is one of Israel's most prominent medical organizations, providing members with an extensive spectrum of healthcare services, including consultations with specialists, psychological support, and tailored programs for various demographics such as children, adolescents, women, and older people. Derived from Hebrew, the name "Maccabi" connotes strength and health, symbolizing the organization's dedication to preserving and enhancing the well-being of its members.

The Maccabi Health Insurance Fund was established in 1941 as an alternative to the Clalit Health Insurance Fund, stemming from the Maccabi Israel movement's inception a year earlier in 1940. Originating within the Maccabi Israel movement, which opposed the socialist ideals of the labour movement, Maccabi swiftly gained momentum. Initially comprised of ten doctors and a handful of members, it gradually gained independence from the Maccabi movement. Founded by medical and managerial professionals, many of whom were physicians, Maccabi initially operated predominantly in the country's central region before expanding its reach across Israel. It offers medical care and extensive services, supporting the establishment of a pharmacy network. Since the late 20th century, it has constructed its hospitals and research facilities, with Assuta Ramat HaChayal serving as the first and most significant of these medical institutions.