1917 witnessed the British conquest of Palestine from the Turks, and British General Allenby’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Dec 9), marking the triumphal conclusion of his “Palestine Campaign.”
The Turks had evicted the inhabitants of Tel Aviv en masse prior to the British arrival, having suspected the Jews (not unjustifiably) of pro–British sympathies. The victorious Allenby repatriates Tel Aviv’s denizens, and the grateful returnees name the main street of Tel Aviv after him – Rehov Allenby. (Allenby’s name is also honored by a main street in Jerusalem and by a key bridge over the Jordan.)
Back at home, the thrilled British heap honors upon him, as well. Allenby is subsequently to become Field Marshal Allenby, as well as Viscount Allenby and then Middle East High Commissioner (for Egypt and Sudan).