November 20, 2021
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Amid preparations throughout the world for the commemoration of the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing, several events held recently in Haifa and ‘Akká have welcomed municipal officials and area residents to mark the occasion at historic sites associated with Him.
In Haifa, the mayor of the city, Einat Kalisch-Rotem, and other municipal officials, members of diverse faith communities, and other residents of the city honored the centenary at a historic building near ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s residence on Haparsim Street in a spirit of fellowship and unity reminiscent of the gatherings He Himself would hold with people of all backgrounds.
In ‘Akká, a public reception at the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá lived and received countless guests from 1896 to 1910, allowed people from around the country to learn about His life and His service to the inhabitants of ‘Akká through an exhibition and a guided visit of the site.
A short distance away in Bahjí, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had rented a residence for Bahá’u’lláh and His family in 1879, a special program brought together the mayor of ‘Akká, Shimon Lankri, and other government officials, various community and religious leaders—Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze—academics, and civil society representatives to hear stories from the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, where many of those gathered also shared their perspectives on His impact on the people of the region.
Sheikh Samir Assi, the Imam of the historic Al-Jazzár Mosque in ‘Akká and an attendee at the gathering in Bahjí, shared his reflections about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “What I witnessed in this elevating event deserves to last forever. This gathering highlighted the power of love and selfless service. May God bless the soul of ‘Abbás Effendi whose message serves as a beacon for humanity.”
The reception also included members of diverse faith communities and area residents, where all gathered in a spirit of fellowship and harmony.
The program included stories from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life, musical performances, and remarks by a number of speakers.
Visitors at the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá viewed an exhibit about the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the construction of His Shrine in ‘Akká.
During the time He lived in the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regularly received visitors from all segments of society and from all faiths and backgrounds.
At the gathering in Bahjí, the mayor of ‘Akká, Shimon Lankri, addressed the diverse group of guests, saying that although Bahá’u’lláh and His family arrived in ‘Akká as exiles and prisoners, their contributions to the well-being of the city continue to be felt.
A panel exhibit about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the construction of His Shrine was displayed at the event. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the surrounding gardens at Bahjí.
Several events held in Haifa and ‘Akká mark the centenary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land.
Pictured on the left is the tent of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá pitched in the courtyard of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá, c. 1907.
Photo :The mayor of Haifa (left), Einat Kalisch-Rotem, spoke at the reception at 10 Haparsim Street. The building at this location was constructed under the direction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to function as a pilgrim house.
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Copyright 2021 by the Bahá’í World News Service.
Representatives of Bahá’í communities from around the world have been arriving in Haifa for a gathering at the Bahá’í World Centre commemorating the centenary
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Representatives of Bahá’í communities from nations and regions around the world have arrived in Haifa for a historic gathering at the Bahá’í World Centre to commemorate the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Events this week will culminate in an observance in the early hours of Saturday marking the night, 100 years ago, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away.
The gathering, representing a cross-section of humanity, is a reflection of the following words of Abdu’l-Bahá:
“The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.”
The images below capture a few moments from the arrival of representatives from around the world and interactions among them over the last few days.
With their hearts and thoughts turned toward ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the representatives have arrived in the Holy Land from every corner of the world to honor Him in the very land where He passed away.
Participants arriving at the Pilgrim Reception Centre in Haifa, located in the vicinity of the Shrine of the Báb.
Attendees arriving in Bahjí, the site of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
Upon their arrival at the visitor’s center in Bahjí, participants attend an orientation program that provides them with information about the days ahead.
In an atmosphere of love, unity, and devotion, attendees have been preparing themselves spiritually for their first visit to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
A group of participants approaching the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the holiest spot on earth for Bahá’ís.
Attendees have been visiting this sacred site in groups since their arrival in the Holy Land.
Attendees outside the Haifa Pilgrim House prepare for their first visit to the Shrine of the Báb. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hosted many gatherings with pilgrims and members of the local community in this building.
Two participants viewing a diagram (close-up on the right) depicting the arrangement of the rooms and doors to the Shrine of the Báb. (PHOTO)
Participants approaching the Shrine of the Báb, which was constructed under ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s direction and supervision. It is at this sacred spot where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s earthly remains were interred upon His passing.
A group of participants in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Báb.
Participants visiting the Shrine of the Báb in the evening.
Participants are spending quiet moments in the environs of the Shrine of the Báb, reflecting on the significance of the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His call for universal peace.
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Copyright 2021 by the Bahá’í World News Service.
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