PRESS RELEASE 16 October 2025   Bahjí, Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and Bahá’í Gardens in ‘Akko, once again open to the public. We are happy to announce that the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, and the surrounding Gardens, collectively known as Bahjí, will be once again open to the public.  The mischaracterization of Bahjí, the most sacred Place for the world-wide Bahá’í community, as primarily a tourist destination, has now been corrected and the sanctity of Bahjí has been reaffirmed.  This issue, which was the reason for Bahjí’s closure, has been resolved. Thus, Bahjí will be re-opened for scheduled tours and unscheduled self-guided visits by the public starting on 19 October. Individuals wishing to schedule guided tours of Bahjí and inform themselves of opening hours may do so online at ganbahai.org.il. As is always the case with all Bahá’í sites open to the public, admission is free.   For information about visits: Bahá’í World Centre Website:...Read More

PRESS RELEASE DATE 9 OCTOBER 2025 (Haifa, Israel) During its opening evening, the Bahá’í World Centre invited the public to visit the Shrine of the Báb and enjoy walks up and down the terraces of the Holy Bahá’í Gardens during twilight hours. In addition to the special experience of visiting the Shrine and Gardens in the evening, Terraces by Night also offers a unique experience of diversity. Over 5000 visitors from around Israel, including residents and international diplomats, joined the event and were hosted by local guides and more than 100 Baha’i volunteers. The opening evening represented a rich tapestry of people attracted to the beauty and serenity of this Holy Place. Secretary-General of the Baháʼí International Community, Dr. David Rutstein said, ‘The World Centre is delighted to enable the public to access the sacred Shrine of the Báb and the sanctified terraced gardens on the slopes of Mt. Carmel....Read More

PRESS RELEASE Terraces by Night, Lailah Bahá’í, 2025 On 8 and 9 October 2025, the Bahá’í World Centre will offer evening visits to the Shrine of the Báb and Holy Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa. Terraces by Night – Lailah Bahá’í is an opportunity to share hope and light, and the evening visits to this Bahá’í Holy Place are offered as a gift for all to enjoy tranquility, beauty, and spirituality. Dates and times: 8 and 9 October 2025 17:00 – 21:00 Visitors are welcome to: Visit the Bahá’í Holy Place, including the Shrine of the Báb and terraced Gardens Watch a short film and view an exhibition at the Visitor Information Centre Participate in a collective art experience Entrance Gates: Main Entrance, 80 Hatzionut Avenue German Colony Plaza, 21 Hagefen Street Entrance is free and there is no need to register The first Terraces by Night-Laila Bahá’í was held in 2019. The Bahá’í World...Read More

Following recent news articles reporting on the arrest and persecution of members of the Bahá’í community in Iran, the Bahá’í International Community Secretariat at the Bahá’í World Centre is issuing an official statement regarding the situation. On 22 January 2025 the security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran arrested eleven Bahá’í women in Baharestan, near Isfahan, without arrest warrants or prior notification in a series of shocking home raids.  The detained women – several of whom are mothers of young children and infants, or caregivers to aging parents – have faced previous convictions for their faith.  Security agents reportedly scaled walls, coerced neighbors, and posed as utility workers to force entry into the women’s homes, subjecting them to distressing and invasive searches.  Neighbors were intimidated into silence and children in the homes were left traumatized by the operation. These arrests are part of a systematic and escalating campaign of...Read More

The construction project at the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa is now completed.  On Sunday, December 1st 2024, the Shrine and its surrounding gardens will be again open to the public. Shrine of the Báb: Daily, 9 am to 12 noon, Entrance at Hatzionut 80 Holy Bahá’í Gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Báb: Daily, 9 am to 5 pm, Entrance at Hatzionut 80 Background information The Shrine of the Báb holds profound significance, as it houses the earthly remains of the Báb, the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith. The construction project, which began in late July 2024, has implemented several features to enhance accessibility, particularly for wheelchairs. The main paths approaching the Shrine of the Báb from both east and west have been paved with Jerusalem Red Limestone. The expansion of the plaza immediately in front of the Shrine has been finished with Galil Gold...Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONSTRUCTION TO RESUME AFTER FIRE AT THE SHRINE OF ABBAS EFFENDI IN ‘AKKO   On the morning of 8 April 2022, a fire broke out at the construction site of the Shrine of Abbas Effendi (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) in ‘Akko.  The blaze was extinguished by firefighters, and no-one was injured. As a precaution, the residents of the nearby neighborhoods were recommended to evacuate.  They were allowed to return to their homes the same day. In accordance with standard procedure, the appropriate authorities have begun the process of determining the cause of the fire.  More information will be provided in this regard when it becomes available.   “Thank you for the many warm wishes and expressions of sympathy, care and support we have received following the recent fire at the construction site of the Shrine of Abbas Effendi in ‘Akko,” said Dr. David Rutstein, Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community....Read More