Ethnic Experience on Mount Carmel – Baha’i, Carmelite, Druze, Ahmadiyya & more

Israel is known as the Holy-land. Holy for who?

This small country is a melting pot for so many religions, denominations and ethnic groups which find Israel as their Home as well as a holy center.

Mount Carmel is known as a holy mountain for almost 3000 years, thanks to Elijah the Prophet.

This tour is a unique ethnic experience – get to know some of the most interesting religions and denominations that chose Mount Carmel as home. A chance for an authentic encounter with real members of those faiths.

Baha’i

The youngest monotheist religion, teaching the unity of all religions and of all people, seeking peace and equality worldwide whilst building the most beautiful gardens in the world!

We will visit part of the Gardens and inside the Shrine of the Bab – the famous golden dome, which is also the symbol of Haifa. During our visit you will learn about the history and principles of this religion, how Israel became the Baha’i holy land as well and how come no Baha’i live in their holy-land?!

Elijah Cave

According to the tradition, that is the cave in which Elijah the prophet was hiding from Ahab, which is why the place is holy for both Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze, as well as a common place for Bar-mitzvah…

We will visit inside the cave and learn about the traditions and legends related to it.

Stella Maris – Carmelite Order

The Carmelite Catholic order was established right here on Mount Carmel some 800 years ago.

We will visit the beautiful church of Stella Maris – the star of the Sea, where we will find yet another Elijah cave. According to tradition, the Holy family, Mary, Josef and Jesus, were also hiding in Elijah’s cave on their way back from Egypt.

We will also learn a couple of unique stories about the surprising connections between Carmelite monks and nuns and Judaism.

Ahmadiyya Community

Muslim Pacifists, with a slogan of “Love for All, Hatred for None”, this branch of Sunni Islam is truly unique.

We will visit their community center and mosque, meet with the leaders of the community, and engage in a fascinating encounter of Q&A.

Druze

The Druze faith is secret and includes several unusual elements and principles such as very strong believe in reincarnation, collection of the wisdom of all previous religions, unusual burial customs, strong loyalty to the local authorities, equality between men and women and more.

We will visit the Druze village of Isfiya, enjoy a traditional super reach Druze lunch, tour the old center of the village, meet with Druze women that broke the glass ceiling of the conservative society, learn about their traditions, secret religion and special connections to the Israeli society and Judaism.

Muhraka

We will summarize the tour in one of the holiest sites on Mount Carmel, the Muhraka Monastery – The Horn of Carmel, where Elijah beat the pagan prophets in a “Prophets Duel”.
The site also includes one of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking over half of Israel. A beautiful yet meaningful finish to a very extraordinary day!