Peace, Hope and Friendship in Israel
Welcome to the gardens at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. During the last century, this once barren mountainside of Mt. Carmel has transformed into world famous gardens. It is a sacred space for the Baha'i world community, but its gates are open to everyone. Each year close to a million visitors from around the world are drawn to this colorful serene space. At the center of the nineteen garden terraces sits a white shrine with its golden dome that is the final resting place of the Báb ('the Gate'), Prophet and co-founder of the Bahá'í Faith.
I am the Lamp which the Finger of God hath lit within its niche and caused to shine with deathless splendor. ~ the Báb
The gardens, which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, are not only rich in color but the diverse elements symbolize core beliefs of the Bahá'í Faith, especially unity in diversity. The rich variety of the flowers and trees reflect the diversity of people around the world and also the different people visiting the gardens.
One of the volunteers at the Bahá'í Gardens shared thoughts of what their work means to them. "The ultimate purpose of this encounter is for our visitors and neighbors to understand that the serenity and fellowship they experienced along these pathways - even for a moment - are not a distant dream. They are entirely possible and can be nurtured wherever we find ourselves." As the visitors depart for their homes, it is hoped that they will carry with them the serenity, beauty and hope that are the gifts of time spent in the Bahá'í Gardens.
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