Why is the world center of the Bahá’í Faith in Israel?
The founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh (a title meaning Glory of God), was born in Persia (now called Iran) in 1817. As a young man He became a follower of the Báb, the Herald and Forerunner of the Bahá’í Faith. Thousands of innocent followers of this new faith were persecuted, tortured, imprisoned and killed by those in authority who misunderstood this Faith and did not want to see it expanding. They sent Bahá’u’lláh into exile, first to Iraq, then to Turkey, and then to the farthest and worst prison they could put Him in. That was the Crusader fortress in the ancient city of ‘Ákká in Palestine.
The prison in ‘Akká where Bahá’u’lláh was held captive. Historic photograph. Image courtesy of Bahai.org.
The hope of the authorities was that Bahá’u’lláh and the family and friends with Him would not survive the terrible prison. This long journey, proceeding over several years, was not chosen by Bahá’u’lláh. With the power of God supporting them, the small group did survive, and gradually the authorities began to relax the restrictions on them. Eventually Bahá’u’lláh was allowed to move to a house outside the city of ‘Ákká called Bahjí. There he died in 1892 after 40 years in exile from His native land. Far from disappearing, this new faith was beginning to thrive and spread to a number of countries. His burial Shrine, as well as the Shrine of the Báb later built on Mt. Carmel in Haifa, are holy places of pilgrimage for the millions of members of the Faith, now living in every part of the globe. Because of this history, the Bahá’í administrative buildings were built in Haifa.
Here is the latest news of a series of actions the Bahá’ís are taking in Israel.
“What the world could be like”
Century-old Haifa building serves as meeting-place for friendship
Neighbors, artists, faith leaders and officials gathered at the centennial of a historic building on Haparsim Street, creating what some called a glimpse of peace.
May 30, 2025
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — In the garden of a historic building on Haparsim Street in Haifa, 140 people from across the city’s diverse populations and faith communities gathered recently to mark the building’s centennial in a celebration that embodied the spirit of unity that has long characterized this city. Neighbors, artists, civil society representatives, religious leaders, and government officials came together in an atmosphere of friendship that transcended the boundaries sometimes drawn between different segments of society.
In her opening remarks, Ariane Sabet, Deputy Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community, highlighted how the gathering was designed not merely as a commemoration but as a living expression of the principles that guide the Bahá’í community’s efforts toward the common good.
David Rutstein, Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community, spoke about how such gatherings serve as an invitation to bring “joy and happiness to all,” referring to this quote of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “Let your heart burn with loving-kindness for all who may cross your path.”
The gathering featured live musical performances.
In his comments to attendees, Shervin Setareh, another Deputy Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community, stated: “If you were standing where I am, you would see a microcosm of Haifa. …It is every one of you that makes Haifa so special.”
Mayor Yona Yahav expressed his appreciation for how the Bahá’í community’s commitment to unity has enriched the city’s character, contributing to its well-being. “It fits with the character of the city, with the landscape, and it adds enormous value,” he said.
In interviews with the News Service, participants shared reflections on the gathering, noting how the atmosphere was enhanced with the participation of volunteers serving at the Bahá’í World Centre from many different parts of the world.
Members of diverse faith communities attended the gathering in a spirit of harmony.
Archbishop Yousef Matta of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church described seeing “this beautiful mosaic of people from all over the world” as testimony that “everyone carries one message: the message of life, human dignity, and true peace for every person on this earth.”
Letticia De Torre from the Focolare Movement spoke of the importance of creating social spaces where people can experience peace and love. “Looking at all the people who came today, I saw genuine happiness,” she said. “People had the chance to experience, even briefly, what the world could be like if we truly lived in peace.”
Neighbors, artists, civil society representatives and people of diverse backgrounds joined together in an atmosphere of friendship that transcended the boundaries sometimes drawn between different segments of society.
Professor Aliza Shenhar, President of the Haifa History Association, who grew up near the Bahá’í gardens on Mount Carmel, commented on the spirit of the celebration. “It is such a pleasure to see different people, different colors, different points of view in peace,” she said. “It is the most peaceful place in Haifa—here and in Bahá’í holy places.”
The event represented the first in what will be an annual gathering in Haifa, complementing other Bahá’í gatherings that have welcomed people of all backgrounds in Jerusalem and ‘Akká in a shared spirit of kindness and friendship.
To read the story online and view more images, visit news.bahai.org.
Text and images courtesy of Bahá’í World News Service.