Haifa and interfaith intercultural life

We drove from Yemin Orde to Haifa, a quickly developing city of great diversity with Arabs, Jews, Christians all living together in a collaborative environment. There is also in Haifa the headquarters of the Baha’i faith. We met at the Beit Hagafen Arab Jewish community center with three faith leaders and the director of the community center. The emphasis was on creating opportunities for mutual understanding and conversation to counter the fear and anxiety that many people feel in proximity to Arab Israelis.

In Haifa is a shrine to the founder to Baha’i. He was martyred for his faith and his followers carried his crushed bones secretly for many years until they were able to bury them in Haifa and build a shrine. Over the years it has become more elaborate and a terraced garden built up the side of Mt. Carmel.

Looking down Mt. Carmel towards the coast line of Haifa.