Israel to Begin New ‘Bible Highway’
The Israeli government recently approved the designation of National Highway 60 as the “Biblical Highway.” This highway, which stretches from Nazareth in the north to Beersheba in the south, runs through significant historical and religious sites.
In a way, this initiative resembles the famous Route 66 in the U.S., targeting Bible enthusiasts, tourists, and students. Highway 60, known for over 4,000 years, begins in Beersheba, a place where, according to tradition, Abraham introduced the concept of faith to travelers.
Among notable locations is Hebron, which holds the Cave of the Patriarchs—purchased by Abraham approximately 3,800 years ago. This cave is considered a burial site for key biblical figures and showcases an impressive structure built by King Herod around 2,000 years back. Interestingly, Hebron was also the initial capital where King David was crowned.
The highway also passes through Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus, and the site where Rachel was buried, setting the stage for the Book of Ruth. Other important stops include Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, the site of significant temples, and Beth El, where Jacob had the famous dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth.
David Parsons, a spokesperson for the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, shared his belief that understanding the Bible helps combat anti-Semitism by fostering an appreciation for the Jewish people’s historic bond with the land.
“Every time we look into the archaeological history of Israel, we discover that the Bible is more than stories; it’s a documentation of a renowned people and their contributions,” he noted.
As one continues along the route, it reaches sites like Shechem, where Joshua is believed to have buried Joseph’s bones, and Mount Tabor, remembered for biblical conquests.
Yishai Fleischer, representative of Hebron’s Jewish community, expressed satisfaction with this long-awaited recognition. He likened it to other prominent tourism routes globally, emphasizing its potential to educate the public about Israel’s rich heritage.
The initiative, as Fleischer pointed out, stands against attempts to rewrite Jewish history or diminish its significance at crucial sites like the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. By designating this as a Biblical Highway, it strengthens the understanding of Israel’s ancient identity.
Ze’ev Orenstein from the City of David stressed how this highway will allow countless visitors to connect with Biblical history in the places where the narratives originally unfolded.
A spokesperson from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed support for the new designation and plans to integrate “Biblical Highway” into marketing materials, which will feature visitor centers and signage in multiple languages.
