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