Rehovot was founded in the coastal plain in 1890, by Polish Jews who wanted a township independent of the Baron Edmond James de Rothschild's aid and management. Israel Belkind, one of the original founders of the settlement, proposed the name. In 1908 they were joined by immigrants from Yemen, who settled in the city's Sha'arayim district. These early settlers planted vineyards, almond orchards and citrus groves. A daily postal connection existed between Rehovot and Jaffa; it is thought that Rehovot was joined to the postal service of Rishon le Zion. A Turkish post office operated in Rehovot as from 1910.