CBNNews.com - The city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa launched its 100th anniversary celebration on Thursday evening.

The founding of the city dates to April 1909, when Jewish residents of Jaffa -- some of whom had lived there for generations and others newly arrived as part of the second wave of aliyah (immigration to Israel) in the early 20th century -- formed the Ahuzat Bayit association to establish a new neighborhood outside the crowded ancient city.

Ahuzat Bayit's selling of plots of land outside Jaffa is viewed as the founding of Israel's second largest city.

President Shimon Peres and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, decked out in white hats, shook hands with city residents on Bialik Square in the city center.

Anniversary festivities will continue Saturday evening, after Shabbat (the Sabbath) in Rabin Square, with performances by some of Israel's best known singers, joined by actors and dances performing simultaneously on several stages.

Some 1,000 performers will take part in the festive evening, including the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta and Ilan Mochiach.

At one point in the evening, the mayor will light 100 candles on a huge anniversary cake.

Source: YNet news