Humorous Ben-Gurion Statue On Tel Aviv Beach Editorial Photo

A humorous statue of founding fathr David Ben-Gurion standing on his head at Tel Aviv's Frishman Beach is a welcome site for Israelis and tourists alike July 13, 2019. The late founding father and first prime minister of the Jewish state actually performed this feat at this very spot, as part of his exercise regimen. An arsonist badly damaged the statue shortly before dawn on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2023, during the period of observance of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The mayor of Tel Aviv promised to restore the burned iconic figure. The crime came at a time of unusual national disunity. The landmark was based on a 1957 photograph by Paul Goldman capturing the legendary leader going about his morning ritual on the beach.