(SeaPRwire) –
By: Julian Holbrooke
Israel’s government recently designated Route 60 as the “Biblical Highway.” This road passes through many historically significant sites. The move aims to offer a unique experience related to the Bible for enthusiasts, students, and tourists. It’s part of an effort to create something like the famous Route 66 in the US.
The Biblical Highway has been around for over 4,000 years. It starts in Beersheba and goes through places like Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. These are places deeply rooted in Jewish and Christian history. David Parsons of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem said understanding the Bible can help against antisemitism. He also noted the importance of the archaeological evidence in the Land of Israel related to the Bible.
Yishai Fleisher, an international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, has been working on this project for years. He said it’s similar to roads in other countries like Germany’s Romantische Straße and Spain’s Camino de Santiago. He believes it has educational, heritage, and tourism value. However, he also pointed out that the Palestinian Authority has been trying to claim sites of Jewish historical and biblical heritage. He thinks renaming Route 60 strengthens Israel’s identity related to the Bible.
Ze’ev Orenstein of the City of David said the highway allows visitors to experience biblical history through the actual geography. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism supports the name change and will include it in marketing materials. But is this just about promoting tourism, or is there more to it?
On one hand, it could be seen as a way to showcase Israel’s rich history and culture. By highlighting these biblical sites, they can attract more tourists and educate people about their heritage. On the other hand, in the context of the ongoing tensions with the Palestinians, it might seem like a political move. The Palestinians have been trying to assert their claims over some of these sites, and Israel’s action could be seen as a way to strengthen their hold on these historical areas.
Author bio: Julian Holbrooke, an overseas international relations analyst contributing to major European daily newspapers.