After 70 years: Holon's famous "Square of Tears" is being dismantled
The "Square of Tears," which for decades was the terror of driving students and a prominent symbol of Holon, is being dismantled as part of light rail construction works.
HaLohamim Square in Holon, known to many as the "Square of Tears" or "Kugel Square," is parting ways with the urban landscape after more than 70 years.
The square, which became one of the city's most recognizable symbols and an unforgettable milestone for generations of driving students, is being dismantled as part of the infrastructure works for the construction of the Green Line of the light rail in Gush Dan.
The square is located at the northern entrance to Holon from the direction of Tel Aviv, at the intersection of Mikve Israel, HaLohamim, Levi Eshkol, and Kugel streets. For years, it was considered the largest traffic circle in Israel and featured three traffic lanes used by thousands of vehicles daily.
The nickname "Square of Tears" was earned due to its proximity to the local licensing office. Almost every driving test taker in the area was required to navigate it during their practical exam, and its complexity made it a source of dread for students for decades.
Now, as part of the Green Line project, the square is being dismantled. A signalized intersection and light rail tracks are planned in its place, marking a significant transportation shift for the city.
On social media, Holon residents have begun sharing nostalgic photos and final moments of the square. One resident described standing before the site as it transitioned from a circle to a standard intersection, noting how the "Square of Tears" connected the city to its roots and history.
For many, the square was much more than just a traffic circle. Alongside the traffic jams and driving tests, it became a part of the city's local memory. Now, after more than seven decades, this chapter is coming to a close.
