The network of Baha'is of Jewish Background

Shoghi Effendi’s sayings regarding teaching of Jews

2011-12-30T02:45:00.000-08:00

"Regarding your question concerning the future of the Jews: They certainly have, as explicitly stated by the Master, a great spiritual destiny, and will gradually enter the Faith in large groups."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 13, 1937, Lights of Guidance, no. 1681)

"...You should certainly Endeavour to establish further contacts with your Jewish fellow-citizens, as their spiritual destiny is assuredly bright. The age-long sufferings and tribulations which the Jews all over the world have so cruelly experienced will be terminated during the Bahá'í era, as they will be gradually led to embrace the Faith which, indeed, constitutes the only means of salvation to their race."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, September 22, 1937, Lights of Guidance, no. 1817)

"...If the Jews study the teachings they will find in them the hopes and aspirations that they have always cherished. Bahá'u'lláh bears a wonderful message to the Jews and many of them have come to appreciate it and are active in carrying it to others of their race. Through Bahá'u'lláh, the Master tells us, they shall regain their ancient glory and become loved by all the people of the whole world."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, June 14, 1932, Lights of Guidance, no. 1818)

There are also some pilgrim's notes which speak to their having a special role in the future as administrators, protecting/championing the Faith in the Holy Land, etc. Moreover International Teaching counselor Mr. Ayman Rohani and Mr. Bijan Farid during their visit to an Asian country in 2008 have clarified that, very soon the teaching activities will start in the Holy Land of Israel. In fact it has already started in one of the University of Israel. The present House of Justice Member Mr. Payman Mohajer has also assured the Bahá'is that Universal House of Justice has made elaborate plans to teach in the Holy Land.

As Jew Bahá'is we are sure that once the teaching activities will start in our Holy Land, the progress of the Faith in Israel will become an example for the whole World.

Very soon ‘Teaching Activities’ will start in the State of Israel for our Jewish brethren

2011-10-25T03:05:00.000-07:00

Letter of The Universal House of Justice to a Baha'i :

Dear Bahá’i Friend,

In reply to your email of 23 October 2002 to the Universal House of Justice, we have been asked to convey the following. It is not possible, given all of the instructions and exhortations addressed to the believers by Baha’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, that the House of Justice would ever advise communities that are free to pursue teaching plans that it was not timely to talk about such efforts and enroll new Bahà’is.

Nor could it, contrary to Baha’u’lláh’s explicit command, allow any other activity in the Bahá’i community to diminish the responsibility of individuals to teach the Cause. Precisely the opposite is true. A major object of the recent emphasis on establishing training institutes is to increase the capacity of individuals to teach the Cause effectively. Study circles, which are local extensions of an institute, are intended to serve this purpose. While it is highly desirable to include seekers in study circles wherever possible, the individual believer retains the inescapable duty to teach the Faith on his or her own initiative. Anyone who carefully reads the messages of the House of Justice will find that it has consistently exhorted and encouraged individuals to teach the Faith, pointing to the many possibilities of exploiting the opportunities that the turmoil of the present age provides. In this regard, there is abundant evidence from countries around the world, including the United States, that the institutions of the Faith at all levels and institutes through their courses focus attention on the importance of teaching.

The friends should not allow discussions that go on in the community to confuse or divert them from what has always been a clear understanding of their individual responsibility for teaching the Cause of God. The unfortunate consequence of so much discussion about teaching is that the friends often talk themselves out of taking action, when this is clearly a matter in which action speaks louder than words. Indeed, it is always time to teach the Faith and enroll new believers.

We are to assure you of the prayers of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines on your behalf that your individual efforts to teach the Faith may be divinely confirmed.

With loving Bahá’i greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

This letter of the Universal House of Justice clearly states that the Bahà’is can teach in Israel. Only two very important aspects should be considered : One is WISDOM while Teaching the Faith and Second, the Message of Universal House of Justice Regarding TEACHING THE FAITH IN SENSITIVE COUNTRIES b'coz Israel is one of the sensitive countries. The day is not far that we will have numbers of Study circles, Children classes, of course Moral ones and IPGs of Bahà’i Faith in every city of Israel.

This picture is imaginary. We pray to Baha'u'llah to give us success and make it true.

Jewish groups urge release of Baha'i Academics in Iran

2011-08-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 17 August, 2011 THE JEWISH CHRONICLE ONLINE

By Marcus Dysch , August 17, 2011

Iran's detention of 11 Baha'i academics has been condemned by the Board of Deputies and Union of Jewish Students. British Jews have repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of Iran's Baha'i community. More than 100 are being held in Iranian prisons, including seven of the community's most senior leaders, some having been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Those detained worked for the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE), which had been established to meet the educational needs of young Baha'is denied access to Iran's higher education system.

In a joint statement calling for the academics' immediate release, the Board and UJS said the detention was "totally unacceptable and a violation of Article 27 of the UDHR, which guarantees all citizens the right to freely 'participate in the cultural life of the community'.”Only through fostering a culture of mutual respect can Iran progress to a legal and political situation worthy of all its citizens. We believe that all people, and all Iranians, should be given equal access to higher education on the basis of merit, and not de-barred because of their religious beliefs." Iran has repeatedly repressed its Baha'i community and has for more than 30 years barred Baha'i academics from working in universities.

Dear Jewish Brothers and Sisters (Board of Deputies and Union of Jewish Students),

We are indeed very thankful to you for taking up our cause and calling for the immediate release of the Academics in Iran. We acknowledge that this is not just your first support but since the emergence of the Baha’i Faith our Jew brothers and sisters are on forefront for help and support. Since the Establishment of our beloved holy Land the State of Israel. The government has left no stone unturned to help and support us.

We also take this opportunity to convey to you that please bring your generous pressure on the Israeli Government, because we Baha’is are not permitted to Propagate Baha’i Faith in Israel. This prevention of Teaching and propagation of Baha’i Faith in Israel is totally unaccepted and it is clear violation of Religious Freedom. We also believe that the State of Israel should give same opportunity of teaching and propagation of Baha’i beliefs as it has been granted to the followers of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

Since the Establishment of State of Israel in 1948 the prevention and prohibition is only for the Baha’is. Although we are very sure that the State of Israel takes all the care for the Baha’is, not only in Israel but through out the world. In fact the Israeli ambassadors in every country takes a deep interest in well being of Baha’is of that country taking utmost care to see that no law is made to prevent the Baha’is from teaching the Baha’i Faith in that country. So then the natural question arises is why the Baha’is are not allowed to teach in Israel?

In 2009 the beloved Universal House of Justice gave a Message in which they exhorted the Baha’is to “Go and teach the Iranians, and face whatever consequences are there”. Although the law of obeying the government is still not abrogated in Baha’i Faith.

There is a very strange contradiction here! The Iranian Government is deadliest Enemy of Baha’i Faith, yet the House says go and teach the Iranians and become Martyrs, whereas The State of Israel is so friendly with Baha’is - extending all the facilities and hospitality to Baha’is - yet we are not supposed to teach the Israelis.

Please campaign for removal of this discrimination. We would be greatly obliged and forever pray for your well-being.

Jews are an example of God’s wrath

2011-08-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

{When followers of a religion became totally attached to dogmas and blind imitations and gave up the essential foundation and reality of their religion}

… When the Jews became fettered by empty forms and imitations, the wrath of God became manifest. When they forsook the foundations of the law of God, Nebuchadnezzar came and conquered the Holy Land. He killed and made captive the people of Israel, laid waste the country and populous cities and burned the villages. Seventy thousand Jews were carried away captive to Babylon. He destroyed Jerusalem, despoiled the great Temple, desecrated the Holy of Holies and burned the Torah, the heavenly book of Scriptures. Therefore, we learn that allegiance to the essential foundation of the divine religions is ever the cause of development and progress, whereas the abandonment and beclouding of that essential reality through blind imitations and adherence to dogmatic beliefs are the causes of a nation's debasement and degradation. After their conquest by the Babylonians the Jews were successively subjugated by the Greeks and Romans. Under the Roman general Titus in A.D. 70 the Holy Land was stripped and pillaged, Jerusalem razed to its foundations and the Israelites scattered broadcast throughout the world. So complete was their dispersion that they have continued without a country and government of their own to the present day [1912].

From this review of the history of the Jewish people we learn that the foundation of the religion of God laid by Moses was the cause of their eternal honor and national prestige, the animating impulse of their advancement and racial supremacy and the source of that excellence which will always command the respect and reverence of those who understand their peculiar destiny and outcome. The dogmas and blind imitations which gradually obscured the reality of the religion of God proved to be Israel's destructive influences, causing the expulsion of these chosen people from the Holy Land of their Covenant and promise.

(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 362)

Appeal of Baha’is of Jewish background to all the Jews

The only way for Jews to escape the Wrath of God is to join the Bahá'í Community, accept Baha’u’llah as the promised one of all Religions and actively involve themselves in teaching the Bahá'í Faith in the Holy Land of Israel. The best way of teaching the Bahá'í Faith is to concentrate on Children because once the Children accept the Bahá'í Faith it is but obvious that the parents will also accept it and it will open the doors for “Entry by Troops.” This is what has been conveyed in very recent Messages of Universal House of Justice.

“The various recent messages from the Universal House of Justice calling for the multiplication of children’s classes, however, refer to Bahá'í classes that are open to non-Bahá'í children. It is clear that classes focusing on the development of virtues are distinct from the classes we are called upon to establish in the context of the Five Year Plan. The interests of Bahá'í education are best served by the materials and methods being used by the training institutes, including those in the main Ruhi sequence such as Books 3 and 3A (known previously as Book 5), and the Core Curriculum, which is a branch course after Book 3.

Experience has abundantly demonstrated that many parents of non-Bahá'í children who attend neighborhood classes are receptive to the Faith. If children’s classes are established as a means of social and economic development alone, then their potential to serve as one of the “portals for entry by troops” will remain unrealized. The National Assembly understands that this arena of service, like all the features of the Five Year Plan, is characterized by an increasing appreciation of the value of process and action-learning. Some friends may already have initiated neighborhood classes using the Virtues material, and some may be inclined to begin classes with this approach because of their thoughtful consideration of the receptivity of their friends and neighbors. However, we expect that they would view the use of these materials as only a transitional stage in the process of establishing Bahá'í classes for all children. Where virtues-based classes are already underway we hope that the friends will experiment with a gradual shift toward content that more directly presents the Bahá'í teachings to the students. This would present an excellent opportunity to invite graduates and participants of Book 3 in your cluster to assist with children’s classes.”

Be assured of our prayers in the luminous Mashriqu’l-Adhkár that your steadfast endeavors to prosecute the central elements of the Five Year Plan and advance this mighty Cause of God may attract the bountiful confirmations of His Supreme Manifestation.

With loving Bahá'í greetings,

Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary-General
(Message To, the American Bahá'í Community)

Teaching the Baha'i Faith in Israel

2011-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

The mystery of not teaching the Baha'i Faith in Israel is getting deeper. The question is being asked from every corner of the Baha'i World. The only document which prohibits the teaching in Israel is the Message of the Universal House of Justice dated 29 June 1995:

http://Baha'i-library.com/index.php?file=uhj_teaching_in_israel.html

The Universal House of Justice has received your email message dated 29 June 1995 and we have been asked to respond.

You have asked how the policy of not teaching Israelis applies in the situation in which you have contact with an Israeli via an “interactive relay chat” (IRC) connection. The House of Justice has not asked the friends to avoid contact with Israelis. When you discover that a person you are in contact with via IRC is an Israeli, you should feel free to maintain friendly contact, but you should not teach the Faith to him. If he has already developed a personal interest in the Faith and seeks more information, you should refer him to the Offices of the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa. For your information, the people in Israel have access to factual information about the Faith, its history and general principles. Books concerning the Faith are available in libraries throughout Israel, and Israelis are welcome to visit the Shrines and the surrounding gardens. However, in keeping with a policy that has been strictly followed since the days of Bahá’u'lláh, Bahá’ís do not teach the Faith in Israel. Likewise, the Faith is not taught to Israelis abroad if they intend to return to Israel. When Israelis ask about the Faith, their questions are answered, but this is done in a manner which provides factual information without stimulating further interest.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

CONCLUSION

Note that two things are missing from this statement:

There is no direct quote from Baha’''llah specifying that we should not teach the Faith in Israel, and
There is no direct reference to any Israeli law forbidding the teaching of the Faith either. Indeed, in all my Baha'i life, I never saw any such thing myself, even when I asked about the matter. It seems to be all a myth made up to hide something!
In fact many Presidents/Prime Minister of Israel have visited our World Centre and always showered love affection and generosity towards the Baha'is and the Baha'i Faith.
Residents of Israel are allowed to become members of the other sects of Baha'is.

Shimon Peres, the then Foreign Minister of Israel, views one of the models of the Terraces Project, during his visit to the Baha'i World Centre on 4th August 1994.

The Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin visits the World Centre

2010-12-28T02:16:00.000-08:00

The Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, visited the Baha’i World Centre briefly on 13 June to view models of the Terraces Project underway on Mount Carmel (see also p. 72). He was escorted during his visit by project manager and architect Fariborz Sahba and the Deputy Secretary General of the Baha’i International Community, Albert Lincoln.

We the Baha’is of Jewish background are of the opinion that the Universal House of Justice has lost a great opportunity by not discussing regarding teaching activities with our former Prime Minister, Mr. Yitzhak Rabin. The interest with which our former Prime Minister is looking at the Model of the Arc project clearly indicates his interest towards the Baha’i project. Blind are the eyes which cannot see the love of Mr. Yitzhak Rabin towards our project. It looks like; he wants to say this is our own project.

Board of Deputies of British Jews condemns treatment of Iran’s Baha’i leaders

2010-08-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

Baha’is in the UK were pleased to learn that the Board of Deputies of British Jews has issued a statement condemning the imprisonment of Iran’s seven Baha’i leaders:

The seven Iranian Bahá’í leaders sentenced to 20 year prison terms are yet further victims of the Iranian regime’s flagrant disregard towards its human rights obligations under international law. From arrest to sentencing, it seems clear that the authorities concerned did not even follow domestic due process.

The leaders have been convicted on charges ranging from insulting religious sanctity in Iran to espionage for Israel, allegations for which no evidence has ever been produced in open court, and which they flatly deny. The conduct of the Ministry of Intelligence and the Judiciary has been highly dubious, and suggests that the trial was seen as a formality with little relevance to a predetermined verdict.

The Board of Deputies is appalled at the manner in which these leaders have been treated. For two years they were imprisoned without trial. It appears that, during this time, six of the seven were held for 105 days solitary confinement and another for 175 days.

The Board of Deputies is deeply concerned by the ongoing repression of minorities in Iran. The President of the Board, Vivian Wineman, said, “In the 1980s, scores of Iranian Bahá’í leaders were summarily rounded up and executed. I pray that we are not on the verge of a repeat of such atrocities.”

“We are most grateful to our Jewish friends and colleagues for their ongoing support,” the UK Baha’i community’s Secretary of External Affairs, Dr Kishan Manocha, said. “Freedom of religion is one of the most precious of human rights and it is important for faith communities to stand together in defending this right.”

Reports from Iran indicate that Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm were each sentenced to 20 years in prison on 8 August on a number of groundless charges.

The seven were charged with, among other things, espionage, propaganda against the Islamic republic, the establishment of an illegal administration – charges that were all rejected completely and categorically by the defendants.

Their crime, though, is nothing more than being members of the Baha’i Faith, a religion which has been the focus of a systematic, government-sponsored persecution in Iran since the 1979 revolution.

In fact “We the Bahais of Jews background will be much more grateful to our Jewish friends and colleagues If they help us in starting Baha’i Teaching activities in the State of Israel. “Freedom of religion is one of the most precious of human rights and it is important for faith communities to stand together in defending this right.”

We hope our voices will be heard by the authorities in the Government and at the same time Universal House of Justice will also implement different teaching projects for our Jewish brethen in Israel.

Above Picture : Shirin Tahzib & Kishan Manocha, NSA of Baha'is of UK in the Holy Land

His Excellency, Chaim Herzog visits the Baha'i World Centre (21 October 1984)

2010-07-23T01:48:00.000-07:00

At 9:40 a.m. the President was formally received in Bahji, at the Collins Gate, by the nine members of the Universal House of Justice and escorted to the Mansion where Baha'u'llah spent His final years. There the President was greeted by the Hand of the Cause of God 'Ali-Akbar Furutan who conducted him to the room of Baha'u'llah and showed originals of some of Baha'u'llah's Tablets. Leaving the Mansion, the President paid his respects at the Sacred Tomb.

Proceeding to Haifa by official motorcade, the party alighted at the Mount Carmel gardens and visited the Shrine of the Bab. This was followed by a visit to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice which concluded with a formal luncheon in the banquet hall, in the President's honour. The visit of the first Head of State to call on the House of Justice in its permanent Seat was the occasion for the inaugural use of the splendid dining room, readied for the occasion by the dedicated efforts of dozens of skilled and devoted Baha'is serving at the World Centre.

Among those attending the historic event, in addition to the members of the Universal House of Justice and their wives, were the Hand of the Cause 'Ali-Akbar Furutan and the Mayor of Haifa, His Worship Arye Gurel, and Mrs. Gurel. An album of colour photographs of the major Baha'i Holy Places in Israel was presented to President Herzog by Mr. Hushmand Fatheazam (Hushmand Fathi-A'zam), on behalf of the Universal House of Justice. The President responded with expressions of sympathy for the suffering Baha'is of Iran and pride in the Baha'i community and its world-famed Holy Places.

The beauty of the Baha'i Holy Places, the splendour of the Faith's administrative centre, and the warmth of the welcome extended were the subjects of enthusiastic comment on the part of the President, his aide-de-camp and the Mayor of Haifa. (From Baha'i World)

It is indeed a great gesture on the part of President of Israel to visit our World Centre and have consultation with the world centre and then his expressions of sympathy for the suffering Baha'is of Iran and pride in the Baha'i community and its world-famed Holy Places.

But the question that remains unanswered is, Why we (the Baha'is) are not allowed to propagate in Israel !!!!

(Above Picture : His Excellency Chaim Herzog, President of the State of Israel, paid an official visit to the Baha'i World Centre on 21 October 1984 at the invitation of the Universal House of Justice.)

Conversion of Iranian Jews to Baha’i Faith

2010-06-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

It is really astonishing that in most of the countries the first conversion to the Baha’i Faith was from Jews community. Whether it is Hungry, Sweden or US. In Iran too where the Baha’is are being persecuted on charges of carrying out espionage activities for the state of Israel the early converts were Jews.

Shortly after the emergence of the Baha’i Faith, the Iranian Jewish community, along with Iranian Zoroastrians, underwent widespread conversions.

1. The Jewish conversion movement began in Hamadan around 1877, and by 1884, according to the historian of Persian Jewry Habib Levy, involved some one hundred and fifty of the eight-hundred Jewish households there (Levy, Tarikh-i-Yahud-i-Iran 657).

2. From Hamadan, the Bahá'í Faith spread to the Jewish communities of other Iranian cities, including Kashan (where half of the Baha’i community was of Jewish origin), Tehran, Isfahan, Bukhara, and Gulpaygan (where seventy-five percent of the Jewish community was said to have converted) (Curzon, Persia 500).

3. According to the Baha’i historian Hasan Balyuzi, Táhirih was instrumental in converting a number of Jews to the Babí Faith in Hamadan (Balyuzi, The Báb 165).

These conversions do not appear to have had any connection with later Baha’i conversions. It should be noted however, that of all the Babí leaders, Táhirih was the most outspoken in departing from Islamic norms.

The Jewish acceptance movement began in Hamadan around 1877, and by 1884, some one hundred and fifty of the eight hundred Jewish households converted to Baha’i Faith. From there, the Faith spread to the Jewish communities of other Iranian cities.

From 1950s up to the Iranian Revolution, many Jews converted to the Baha’i Faith for various reasons. Quite often the entire Jewish family use to get converted to the Baha’i Faith. Jews, Zoroastrians, and Christians could not get involved in politics except to represent their faith in the Parliament; but Baha’is did not have this restriction as long as they did not advertise their faith. This was one of the reasons why so many Jews and Zoroastrians converted to Baha’i. For example, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Iran, Mr. Amir Abbas Hoveyda, was from a Baha’i family.

During the revolution, most of the Baha’is with birth certificates stating their Jewish Faith, left Iran for Israel and got their Israeli citizenship.

WE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT OUR BAHA’I FRIENDS WHO MIGRATED TO ISRAEL THAT WHETHER THEY ARE STILL BAHA’IS OR THEY HAVE RETURNED BACK TO THE FOLD OF JUDAISM. ANYHOW IT IS THE WISDOM OF UHJ THAT WE HAVE LOST SUCH PURE SOULS THROUGH WHICH WE COULD HAVE STARTED INTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF GROWTH AND CHILDREN CLASSES FOR TEACHING THE JEWISH CHILDREN.

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF THE BAHA’I FAITH IN ISRAEL

2010-04-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Evidence of the official recognition of the Baha’i Faith as an independent world religion by the Jewish authorities has been witnessed by exemption of Baha’i properties from all taxation, both State and local. This exemption is especially noteworthy in a growing new State, struggling to maintain and further its own development. The exemption includes the properties of the Shrines of Baha'u'llah and of the Bab, the International Archives (at present in two separate locations), the two Mansions of Baha'u'llah (Bahji and Mazra'ih), the House in 'Akka where Baha'u'llah lived when He revealed the Aqdas and the House

VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL

2010-04-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

On April 26, 1954, the extent of these growing cordial relations between the State of Israel and the International Center of the Faith was evidenced when His Excellency the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Izhak Ben-Zvi, and Mrs. Ben-Zvi, officially visited the Shrine of the Bab and of 'Abdu'l-Baha on Mt. Carmel, and called upon the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, in response to an invitation tendered earlier by the Guardian. This was the first time in Baha’i history that the Head of a sovereign independent State had officially visited the Shrine and called on the Head of the Baha’i World Faith. The Secretary-General of the International Baha’i Council describes this event, as follows:

On that historic day the President and the Secretary-General of the International Baha’i Council were received by the President of the State of Israel and Mrs. Ben-Zvi in their suite at the Megiddo Hotel in Haifa at nine in the morning. After visiting a few minutes, the party left by auto for the home of Shoghi Effendi.

The Guardian and Ruhiyyih Khanum warmly received the President and Mrs. Ben-Zvi, surrounding them with gracious hospitality. During the friendly and informal discussion which followed, Shoghi Effendi outlined the aims and purposes of the Faith, the love and friendliness of the Baha’is for Israel, and their hope and prayer for the success of the State. The President recalled a visit with 'Abdu'l-Baha some years ago in Bahji, when he and Mrs. Ben-Zvi were making a tour of the country. Persian tea and sweets were served. A beautiful hand-wrought silver-bound volume with colored views of the Baha’i Holy Places in Israel, both at Bahji and on Mt. Carmel, was presented to the President as a memento of the occasion.

The party then left for the gardens and Shrines. The Guardian took his honored guests through the gardens fragrant with the perfume of roses, lilies and the many flowers in bloom, showing them the view over Haifa with 'Akka in the distance to the north. Then he escorted them to the Holy Shrines.

The President and Mrs. Ben-Zvi were greatly impressed with the atmosphere of the sacred precincts, commented at length on the glory of the Shrine of the Bab and the gardens, which they recognized as the most beautiful in Israel.

On leaving, the President expressed his appreciation of the hospitality shown by the Guardian and of the work which the Baha’is are doing in Israel. He extended his best wishes for the success of the Baha’i community, not only in Israel, but throughout the world.

"The preliminary steps leading to this historic visit may be of interest. In January the President, Vice-President and Secretary-General of the International Baha’i Council asked permission to call on the President of the State of Israel to greet him officially. The latter received them on February first. It was during that visit that the President expressed the wish to visit His Eminence, the Guardian of the Faith and the Shrine and gardens on Mt. Carmel. Subsequently, the Guardian extended a cordial invitation to the President, which was accepted for April 26."

CORDIAL RELATIONS OF BAHA’I FAITH WITH STATE OF ISRAEL

2010-04-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Guardian has frequently referred, in his messages to the National Assemblies, to the cordial relations existing between the State of Israel and the International Center of the Faith. He has expressed his deep appreciation of the assistance given by the Prime Minister, Mr. Ben-Gurion, and the Ministries of the Government in various ways. Some of these have already been alluded to, in connection with the construction of the Shrine of the Bab and the designation of historical sites of the Faith as Baha’i Holy Places.

Of vital importance has been the increasing evidence of greater and deeper understanding of what the Baha’i Faith is and what it stands for. Contacts by members of the International Baha’i Council with the departments of the Government, both State and local, and with many Cabinet officials, have done much to help in establishing and maintaining these cordial relations.

A reception given by the International Council at the Mansion of Baha'u'llah at Bahji was one of the first steps taken to establish friendly understanding. It was attended by Government officials, Consuls, representatives from the Ministry of Religions in Jerusalem and by many friends and acquaintances. Greetings have been extended to the Baha’is, in turn, by means of Israeli radio broadcasts on special Baha’i Feast Days, such as Naw-Ruz and Ridvan. Baha’i books have been placed in the library of the Ministry of Religions and presented to the Minister himself, who is a profound student of religions, at his request.

The importance of the fact that the International Center of the Baha’i World Faith is in Israel is being more and more realized by authorities of both the State Government and the cities of Haifa and 'Akka. Many Cabinet officials have visited the Shrine of Baha'u'llah, the Shrine of the Bab, the Mansion of Bahji, and the Baha’i Gardens in 'Akka and on Mt. Carmel.

See Baha’i World Volume XII (1950-1954) Page : 46

ACQUISITION AND EMBELLISHMENT OF LAND SURROUNDING THE SHRINE OF BAHA'U'LLAH

2010-02-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

[Ref: Baha’i World Volume XII (1950-1954) page: 42]

One of the most astounding and miraculous developments at the World Center of the Faith has been the acquisition and embellishment of the land surrounding the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, on the plain outside of 'Akka. After two-year-long negotiations the Guardian announced on November 12, 1952, that a contract had been signed whereby about one hundred sixty thousand square meters of land (forty acres) in the immediate area of the Shrine were to be transferred by the Israeli Government to Baha'i ownership. Thus the Guardian was able to begin carrying out his longing to beautify the entire surroundings of the Tomb of the Founder of the Baha'i Faith.

This property, equal in extent almost to "the entire Baha'i international endowments purchased in the course of sixty years in the vicinity of the Bab's Sepulcher," had come into the hands of the Israeli Government because of the precipitate flight of the former Arab owners. The Government of Israel was willing to arrange for its exchange for property which was located in a strategic area, owned by Baha'is who offered to donate their property for the purpose of the exchange. The dramatic event was heightened by the fact that the property in the Bahji area now being acquired by the Baha'is had formerly been owned by Arab supporters of old Covenant-breakers and descendents of the notorious enemy of 'Abdu'l-Baha who had placed his residence at the disposal of the Turkish Committee of Investigation sent to interrogate 'Abdu'l-Baha just prior to overthrow of the Caliphate in 1908. The area donated for exchange, on the other hand, was property belonging to the grandchildren of Mirza Muhammad-Quli, Baha'u'llah's faithful half-brother and companion in exile.

The Guardian's cable announced that the contract was signed on the one hundred thirty-fifth anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah. Transfer of the Bahji property was arranged by the Development Authority of Israel to be registered under the name of the Israel Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States of America.

The International Council wrote: "The magnitude of this historic event is difficult to understand at this time."

Immediately the Guardian began laying out gardens to beautify the area around the Sepulcher of Baha'u'llah, "the Qiblih of the Baha'i world." Laid out in the form of a semi-circle around the Shrine, with a radius.

Baha'i community mourns passing of former leader

2010-01-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

Fri., November 06, 2009

By Cnaan Liphshiz

Leaders of Israel's Baha'i community will next week commemorate the recent passing of Murray Smith, former Deputy Secretary General of the Baha'i International Community.

Smith, a New Zealander who served in Israel from 1994 to 2007, died last month of cancer at the age of 67 in New Zealand. A former Labor member of parliament in his native land, Smith was a well-known and well-liked figure at diplomatic receptions and events in Israel.

The commemoration gathering will take place Thursday at the Baha'i Garden in Haifa - one of the most important holy sites for followers of the Baha'i faith. Smith's family will attend a commemoration service in New Zealand, which will be held on the same day.

"The main thing about Murray was his human warmth," said Albert Lincoln, Secretary General of the Baha'i International Community, who worked with Smith throughout Smith's service here.

According to Lincoln, that trait, coupled with Smith's experience in politics, afforded him a "very good grasp" of the Israeli parliamentary system, which Smith described as being very similar to the one in New Zealand.

FRIENDLY FACE
"I will miss seeing his friendly face," said Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, chief of protocol at the Foreign Ministry. "In his pleasant way, he aptly represented the principles of the Baha'i community and its international aspects, which we value very much. I was very saddened to hear about his passing at a relatively young age."

Smith served as an MP for three years until 1975. In 1989 he converted to the Baha'i faith, moving to Israel in 1994 with his wife, Miette Smith, who took up the Baha'i faith some years before he did and volunteered at the Baha'i center in Haifa as a librarian.

Believers of the Baha'i Faith refrain from alcoholic drinks, drugs, gambling, theft, violence, adultery and defamation. The Baha'i, for whom Haifa is a major holy site, are forbidden to participate in partisan activities and consider themselves to be apolitical. "From my experience I have learned that the party political system will not solve the problems of humanity", Smith said in an interview in 2007.

During the Second Lebanon War, Murray announced the Baha'i Garden will remain lit at night beyond the normal hours, as a way of "lifting the morale of the people of Haifa."

Murray Smith is survived by his wife, Miette Smith, and five children.

Haaretz israel news - English

More Glad tidings for Jews residing in every corners of the World including the Holy Land of Israel

2009-11-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

A-The Sufferings and Tribulations of the Jews will Terminate During the Bahá'í Era

Beloved Guardian Shoghi Effendi wrote:

"...You should certainly endeavour to establish further contacts with your Jewish fellow-citizens, as their spiritual destiny is assuredly bright. The age-long sufferings and tribulations which the Jews all over the world have so cruelly experienced will be terminated during the Bahá'í era, as they will be gradually led to embrace the Faith which, indeed, constitutes the only means of salvation to their race."

Ref:Letter of The Guardian to a Baha’i,
September 22, 1937

B-The Glorious Destiny of The Jews

Beloved Guardian Shoghi Effendi wrote:

"...If the Jews study the teachings they will find in them the hopes and aspirations that they have always cherished. Bahá'u'lláh bears a wonderful message to the Jews and many of them have come to appreciate it and are active in carrying it to others of their race. Through Bahá'u'lláh, the Master tells us, they shall regain their ancient glory and become loved by all the people of the whole world."

Ref:Letter of The Guardian to a Baha’i,
June 14, 1932
(Compilations, Lights of Guidance)

B’nai Brith responds to Baha’i call to put spotlight on Iran regime’s abuse

2009-09-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

TORONTO – B’nai Brith Canada has responded to the call of Canada’s Baha’i community to spotlight the human-rights abusing regime of Iran, which has intensified persecution of its Baha’i citizens. For nearly three decades, the Iranian regime has engaged in a campaign of persecution against the Baha’i community, the largest religious minority in that country. According to documentary evidence from Baha’i members, Iran is reinvigorating its campaign of discrimination, this time specifically targeting Baha’i children.

An intensified campaign against the Baha’i in Iran was the focus of community forum last Wednesday at the downtown Baha’i Centre.

Roya Mostaghim with the Baha’i Centre in Toronto told the Jewish Tribune, “Even under the Shah I had to be cautious. I was told in school that I was such a good student, but it was a shame that I am a Baha’i. (Her grandparents were Jewish and she came to Canada at a young age.)

But since the Shah was overthrown by the Islamic revolution in 1979 – under Ayatollahs Khomeini and now Khamanei – the persecution of Baha’i followers has taken on a much more virulent, ominous tone. This persecution was detailed during the forum by Dr. Gerald Filson, director of external affairs for the Baha’i Community of Canada.

Rick Kardonne
JEWISH TRIBUNE

(We thank the British Prime Minister and B’nai Brith Canada, an organization of our Jew brethrens for standing behind us in difficult times. A characteristic which we have constantly seen since the emergence of Baha’i Faith. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED.)

British Baha'is meet with Prime Minister Brown on Iran concerns

2009-09-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

LONDON, 16 July (BWNS) – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown met this week with members of the U.K. Baha'i community and underlined his government's concern over the seven Baha'i leaders being detained in Iran.

Mr. Lembit Opik, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Friends of the Baha'is group, accompanied three Baha'i representatives to the meeting, held yesterday at the prime minister's office in the Houses of Parliament.

One of the Baha'is, Mrs. Bahar Tahzib – originally from Iran but now living in England – shared with Mr. Brown her first-hand experience of religious persecution. Her father was executed in Iran in June 1980 for being a Baha'i, and her uncle, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, is one the seven Baha'i leaders arrested in the spring of 2008 and jailed since then in Evin prison in Tehran.

Charges against the seven have been reported in government-controlled mass media as "espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities, and propaganda against the Islamic republic" – accusations the Baha'i International Community categorically denies. No formal charges have been filed, however, and the seven Baha'is have had no access to attorneys.

Families of the prisoners had been informed that there would be a trial this past week, but now the families reportedly have been told there is a delay. No new trial date has been given.

"I was very touched by the prime minister's genuine expressions of sympathy and concern," Mrs. Tahzib said after yesterday's meeting with Mr. Brown.

The other Baha'is who met with Prime Minister Brown were Dr. Kishan Manocha, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United Kingdom, and Mr. Barney Leith, director of diplomatic relations for the U.K. Baha'i community.

Above Image : L to R: Kishan Manocha, Lembit Opik MP, Bahar Tahzib, Barney Leith

Many of the first Iranian and Hungarian Baha’i were of Jewish origin

2009-08-14T02:38:00.000-07:00

Bahá'u'lláh's writings addressed Christians more than any other non-Muslim religious groups and addressed them at an earlier date. Yet Christian response to the Bahá'í revelation was negligible.

The sudden conversion of Jews to the Bahá'í Faith occurred almost surprisingly, even the Bahá'ís did not, at first, make any concerted efforts to reach Jew. The actual conversions took many Bahá'ís by surprise.

Jews conversion to Baha’i Faith in Iran
1-The Jewish conversion movement began in Hamadan around 1877, and by 1884, according to the historian of Persian Jewry Habib Levy, involved some one hundred and fifty of the eight-hundred Jewish households there (Levy, Tarikh-i-Yahud-i-Iran 657).

2-From Hamadan, the Bahá'í Faith spread to the Jewish communities of other Iranian cities, including Kashan (where half of the Bahá'í community was of Jewish origin), Tehran, Isfahan, Bukhara, and Gulpaygan (where seventy-five percent of the Jewish community was said to have converted) (Curzon, Persia 500).

3-According to the Bahá'í historian Hasan Balyuzi, Táhirih was instrumental in converting a number of Jews to the Babí Faith in Hamadan (Balyuzi, The Báb 165). It should be noted however, that of all the Babí leaders, Táhirih was the most outspoken in departing from Islamic norms.

Jews conversion to Baha’i Faith in Hungary
The history of the Hungarian community reaches back to the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1913, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the eldest son of Baha'u'llah, visited Budapest and met a number of dignitaries and academics. Among them was the renowned orientalist Professor Arminius Vambery who, in a letter addressed to 'Abdu'l-Baha, pledged his allegiance to the Baha'i faith and is considered the first Hungarian Baha'i.

During his nine-day stay in Budapest, 'Abdu'l-Baha delivered a number of speeches to the public as well as to dignitaries of the Parliament and the Academy. He also expressed his hope that in the future Budapest would become the center for the unification of the East and the West. "I am happy to have been able to visit Hungary," 'Abdu'l-Baha said in 1913, "because this is the country where the culture of the West and the warm hospitality of the East meet and merge into one."

The Baha'i community grew slowly in the inter-war years. Several times during the country's dictatorial rule in the 1930s and 40s, it was dispersed. Many of the first Hungarian Baha'is were of Jewish origin, and most of them were deported to concentration camps. After World War II, the community also faced restrictions when the Communist government banned religious gatherings.

With the end of Communist rule in the late 1980s, religious freedom increased and the community began to flourish again. In 1990s, the Baha'is in Budapest were able to again elect their Local Spiritual Assembly, the local governing body that stands at the base of the Baha'i administrative order.

This is a well known fact that Jews are lover of justice and peace. In many countries the Jews are accepting Baha’u’llah as the Manifestation of our Age. Then why this Great Bounty is deprived to the Jews residing in Israel.

Remembering Amatu’l Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum and small gesture of the State of Israel at her funeral

2009-05-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Widow of Guardian of the Baha’i Faith
Hand of Cause of God

On March 24, 1937 aged 26 she married the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, Shoghi Effendi, and it was at this time that she was given the name "Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khanum" by Shoghi Effendi. ("Amatu'l-Bahá" means "Handmaiden of Glory".) Almost immediately after their marriage, she served as the Guardian's secretary, and then in 1941 until 1957 she served as Shoghi Effendi's principal secretary in English. In 1951 she was appointed to the International Bahá'í Council, which was an administrative institution of the Bahá'í Faith created as a precursor to the Universal House of Justice, to act as a liaison between the Council and Shoghi Effendi. Later on March 26, 1952, she was appointed to the office of Hand of the Cause of God — a distinguished rank in service to the religion — for which she attended to issues related to the propagation and protection of the religion.

Shoghi Effendi and Ruhiyyih Khanum did not have any children; therefore, when Shoghi Effendi passed away unexpectedly in 1957, Ruhiyyih Khanum not only had a personal crisis to manage, but also had to deal with the earth shattering devastation that occurred within the world wide Baha’i community. Shoghi Effendi had died without a will, and without a designated successor as Guardian of the Baha’i Faith. Ruhiyyih Khanum and the other Hands of the Cause of God also had to deal with the anxiety and confusion that this circumstance created. There was a risk of a schism because of what was happening, but Ruhiyyih Khanum was a true leader in these dark times, helping to steer the Baha’is toward a democratically elected governing institution, preordained by Baha’u’llah in the Kitab-i-aqdas, which represented the entire Baha’i community: the Universal House of Justice.

In 1963, more than 4 years after Shoghi Effendi’s passing, the first Universal House of Justice was elected. Ruhiyyih Khanum, rather than take a vacation continued to work often to the point of exhaustion in service to the Baha’i Faith. She visited communities in North America, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.

Ruhiyyih Rabbani died in January 19, 2000 in her home in Haifa, Israel. She was 90. Haifa, (January 23) — She was buried in Haifa, Israel, in a garden facing the home where she lived since 1937.

About 1000 people attended the funeral, including Mr. Chris Greenshields, Minister-Counsellor of the Canadian Embassy; Mrs. Marsha Von Duerckheim, Consul-General of the US Embassy; Mr. Ariel Kenet of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Roman Bronfman, Member of the Knesset; Mr. Amram Mitzna, the Mayor of Haifa; and Mr. Shmaryahu Biran, the Mayor of Acre. Dr. Nissim Dana of the Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs represented the Israeli Government.

Message of THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

2009-03-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
Bahá’í World Centre • P.O. Box 155 • 31001 Haifa, Israel
Tel: 972 (4) 835 8358 • Fax: 972 (4) 835 8280 • Email: secretariat@bwc.org

12 May 2008

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

As the worldwide Bahá’í community proceeds with a unified and coordinated endeavour to advance the process of entry by troops, developments of far-reaching significance at the Bahá’í World Centre, foreshadowed in our message of Ridván 2006 to the Bahá’ís of the world, are now occurring.

The way has been opened to further beautification of the environs of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the Qiblih of the people of Bahá, described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the “luminous Shrine” and “the place around which circumambulate the Concourse on high”. After negotiations over several years, agreement has been reached with the Israeli government for the acquisition of a rectangular plot of land 90,000 square metres in area, located between Bahjí and the main road, which is currently being used by the government.

The property in the possession of the Faith has been further augmented by the conclusion, after negotiations which extended over some twenty years, of a land exchange with the Israel Land Administration, by which a portion of the land bequeathed to the Faith in the Ein Sara neighbourhood of Nahariya, north of ‘Akká, is being exchanged for an additional 100,000 square metres to the east of the Mansion of Bahjí, an area of about 32,000 square metres adjoining the island at the Ridván Garden, and the caravanserai adjacent to the Mansion of Mazra‘ih. Discussions are continuing with the authorities for a further exchange, using more of the Ein Sara land to acquire additional property in close proximity to the Bahá’í Holy Places in the ‘Akká area required to protect the sanctity and tranquillity of these places in the face of the rapid urbanization of the region.

Measures are now being taken to formulate a comprehensive plan for the development of these Holy Places in the years immediately ahead, in a manner which will preserve the distinctive characteristics evident when Bahá’u’lláh blessed them with His presence, while providing facilities for the growing number of pilgrims and visitors. Work has also been completed on the restoration of the Junayn Gardens, a small farmhouse and orchard north of Bahjí visited occasionally by Bahá’u’lláh, which was subsequently donated to the Faith. An extensive project is now under way for the restoration of the Ridván Garden to its condition when visited by Bahá’u’lláh at the termination of His nine-year confinement within the walls of the prison-city of ‘Akká. Described by Him as “Our Verdant Isle” and as the “New Jerusalem”, Bahá’u’lláh rejoiced in the tranquillity of the setting, “its streams flowing, and its trees luxuriant, and the sunlight playing in their midst.” Included in the work being carried out here is the construction of a circulating water system, which will recreate the island frequented by Bahá’u’lláh, and the restoration of an antique flour mill, which was in use during His time. No less significant is the work being carried out on Mount Carmel. The International Archives Building, constructed over fifty years ago at a time of limited resources in the Holy Land, is being extensively renovated and its facilities developed. This edifice, described by the Guardian as “the permanent and befitting repository for the priceless and numerous relics associated with the Twin Founders of the Faith, with the Perfect Exemplar of its teachings and with its heroes, saints and martyrs”, is being strengthened structurally; provisions are being made to render it accessible to the disabled; the method of display of its relics is being improved; a comprehensive security system is being provided; the exterior stonework is being restored; and its interior is being enhanced through installation of a granite floor.

Detailed plans have been prepared for the renovation of the Shrine of the Báb, the “majestic mausoleum” extolled by Shoghi Effendi as “the Queen of Carmel enthroned on God’s Mountain, crowned in glowing gold, robed in shimmering white, girdled in emerald green, enchanting every eye from air, sea, plain and hill.” This work will include installation of earthquake-resistant reinforcement not visible to pilgrims or visitors; preparation of the three chambers not previously available for meditation or worship; repair of the dome; and replacement of its tiles, which have become worn and discoloured, to return them to their pristine lustre.

The work being carried out at the World Centre of the Faith represents far more than repair, renovation, and beautification of buildings and gardens of historic significance. It can best be assessed by reference to Bahá’u’lláh’s designation of Mount Carmel as “the seat of God’s throne” and by recognition of His followers that the Qiblih is the holiest spot on the surface of the planet, while the places in which He found respite are forever sanctified by His presence. From that perspective those who participate in this endeavour, either through their dedicated labours or through their sacrificial contributions of funds, are privileged to an extent far beyond their capacity to comprehend.

The Universal House of Justice

Baha'is buy military base to unblock view of Bahji compound in Acre

2009-02-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

By Jack Khoury

The Baha'i World Center recently bought an old military base blocking the view of its sacred Baji compound in Acre. It plans to create an open vista, making the compound's landscaped gardens visible from the north.

The center paid the Defense Ministry some NIS 40 million for the 90-dunam base, with structures dating back to the pre-state British Mandate era.

The deal was completed several months ago after around two years of negotiations. A source close to the deal said the talks focused mainly on the price, and that the sum was not particularly high for that part of Acre.

The Bahji gardens are the Baha'is' holiest site. They are the home of the founder of the faith, Baha'u'llah, who was exiled from Persia because of his beliefs to what was in those days isolation the land of Israel. He lived under house arrest in Acre, where his home became a pilgrimage site. This and another structure housing his tomb are surrounded by magnificent wide gardens.
The army is supposed to evacuate the base by August 2009. The Baha'is intend to clear the area, removing the obstacles to the compound's gardens, although they have not yet decided whether to expand the gardens to cover the new space.

http://www.haaretz/ .com
Fri., October 03, 2008

The only way of salvation for Jews is to accept the Bahá'í Faith

2009-01-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

The only way of salvation for Jews is to accept the Bahá'í Faith. (The Guardian of the Bahai Faith - Shoghi Effendi)

The Bahá'ís should certainly Endeavour to establish further contacts with your Jewish fellow-citizens, as their spiritual destiny is assuredly very bright. The age-long sufferings and tribulations which the Jews all over the world have so cruelly experienced will be terminated during the Bahá'í era, as they will be gradually led to embrace the Faith which, indeed, constitutes the only means of salvation to their race." (Letter of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, September 22, 1937)

When Baha'u'llah first proclaimed himself, the Jewish communities in the East converted en mass overnight because they saw that Baha'u'llah was that they had been eagerly awaiting.

The Baha'i Faith was favorably received by large sections of the Persian peoples, it was hailed by Persian Jews as their salvation...Persian Jews were seized by a profound enthusiasm and admiration for [Baha'u'llah and] their new faith...

The Jewish populations of Hamadan, Isfahan, Tehran, Kashan and 75% or more of the Jews of Gulpaygan converted into the Baha'i Faith en masse having recognized Baha'u'llah as the New Manifestation of our age.

During one of the Talks at pilgrim house in Haifa the Late Hands of Cause Mr. Ali Akbar Furutan said to the pilgrims that “not teaching to the Jews in the Holy Land is only a temporary measure very soon full scale teaching will start."

Failing to Recognize Bahá'u'lláh by Jews is their “spiritual blindness”

2008-12-29T05:24:00.000-08:00

When Christ appeared, twenty centuries ago, although the Jews were eagerly awaiting His Coming, and prayed every day, with tears, saying: "O God, hasten the Revelation of the Messiah," yet when the Sun of Truth dawned, they denied Him and rose against Him with the greatest enmity, and eventually crucified that divine Spirit, the Word of God, and named Him Beelzebub, the evil one, as is recorded in the Gospel....

(J. E. Esslemont, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era", 5th rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), p. 6)

A Bahá'í asked : "How do I respond when a Jew says we are anti-Semitic because we believe the Jews crucified Christ?" He notes that Jews defend Judaism by saying that the Romans, not the Jews, crucified Christ.

In responding to such a criticism it would be helpful to point out that followers -- and the clergy in particular -- of all the religions have opposed the coming of the succeeding Manifestation. The Bahá'í writings point out the crucifixion of Jesus to emphasize not the criminal act itself but the spiritual blindness of a people who rejected the very Messiah they sought, for although the Romans committed the actual act of crucifying Christ, the crucifixion was caused by the rejection of Jesus by the Jews and their accusation of Him before Pontius Pilate.

Such spiritual blindness has not been limited to the Jews, but has been witnessed in every Dispensation. Thus, in the following extract Bahá'u'llah addresses the Jews as the crucifiers of Jesus, and similarly addresses the followers of the Christian, Islamic and Bábí Faiths. It is not the Jews in particular who have failed to recognize the Manifestations of God, but all of humanity throughout the Dispensations of the Prophetic Cycle. It is not the actual crime that is emphasized, but the relationship between the people and the promised Manifestation of God, and not the material aspect of the rejection but its more fundamental spiritual significance.

O Jews! If ye be intent on crucifying once again Jesus, the Spirit of God, put Me to death, for He hath once more, in My person, been made manifest unto you. Deal with Me as ye wish, for I have vowed to lay down My life in the path of God. I will fear no one, though the powers of earth and heaven be leagued against Me. Followers of the Gospel! If ye cherish the desire to slay Muhammad, the Apostle of God, seize Me and put an end to My life, for I am He, and My Self is His Self.

Do unto Me as ye like, for the deepest longing of Mine heart is to attain the presence of My Best-Beloved in His Kingdom of Glory. Such is the Divine decree, if ye know it. Followers of Muhammad! If it be your wish to riddle with your shafts the breast of Him Who hath caused His Book the Bayán to be sent down unto you, lay hands on Me and persecute Me, for I am His Well-Beloved, the revelation of His own Self, though My name be not His name. I have come in the shadows of the clouds of glory, and am invested by God with invincible sovereignty. He, verily, is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. I, verily, anticipate from you the treatment ye have accorded unto Him that came before Me. To this all things, verily, witness, if ye be of those who hearken. O people of the Bayán! If ye have resolved to shed the blood of Him Whose coming the Báb hath proclaimed, Whose advent Muhammad hath prophesied, and Whose Revelation Jesus Christ Himself hath announced, behold Me standing, ready and defenseless, before you. Deal with Me after your own desires.

("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing ,Trust, 1983), sec. 47, pp. 101-2)

Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust

2008-12-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

References in the Baha'i Writings to Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust
by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice
1998-09-24

In an email message of 8 July 1998, Mr. xxx asks for "any and all available references to anti-Semitism" in the Bahá'í Writings, especially in the correspondence of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice. Furthermore, he asks if there are any references to the Holocaust in the Bahá'í Writings. We reply as follows.

We have been able to find very few references specifically dealing with anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. However, we share with Mr. xxx the attached compilation entitled "The Holocaust and the Greater Plan of God", [on line here] which was prepared in response to a question as to whether the Holocaust was part of the Greater Plan of God. In a letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer dated 3 February 1988, we read that the "Bahá'í attitude to the Holocaust and the massive sufferings inflicted on mankind by the World Wars is clearly set forth by Shoghi Effendi in The Promised Day is Come...." Extracts 3 and 8 of the attached compilation are such references taken from The Promised Day is Come. Further, Mr. xxx may be interested in the following two extracts from letters written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice regarding the Jewish people:

"It would be impossible for any community, much less the Bahá'í community, to forget the suffering of the Jewish people throughout a long period of history. As you know, Bahá'u'lláh, like the Prophets before Him, stated in His Writings that the Jews would return to their homeland, and this fulfillment of their heart's desire has taken place. Moreover, 'Abdu'l-Bahá has confirmed that the travail of the Jewish people is now to be ended. He wrote in a Tablet: "... The ignominy which Israel has suffered for well-nigh twenty-five hundred years will now be changed into eternal glory, and in the eyes of all, the Jewish people will become glorified to such an extent as to draw the jealousy of its enemies and the envy of its friends.

"However, beyond this lies the supreme reality that the Manifestation of God for our age spent the latter part: of His life in that area of the world in which the Jews have today established a State. The Centre of our Faith, its Shrines and administrative headquarters are established there. From these two distinct points of view, you can see that it is impossible for the Jews to be forgotten in a Bahá'í context. The blessings which will be conferred upon them for what has occurred in the Holy Land in this new dispensation will become increasingly evident." (2 January 1992, to an individual believer)

It is important to bear in mind that in the Writings it is not, Judaism, per se, which is criticized. On the contrary, like the other great religions of the world, Judaism is a divinely revealed system, albeit as with all previous dispensations it has been overtaken by an ineluctable superannuation. As recounted in the Book of Certitude, it is principally the clerics who, from age to age, have misled their followers and contributed to confusion and lack of true understanding. This benighted condition, induced by the leaders of religion, has never been limited to a single people. It prevails at the advent of each of God's Messengers and is the primary cause of their persecution.

Accordingly, Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá speak against the spiritual blindness which led the Jews to denounce Christ to Pontius Pilate, leading to His crucifixion. The purpose is mainly didactic, to illustrate the ever-recurring patterns enacted in the dialogue between mankind and the successive Messengers of God.

However, in our time, it is the followers of Muhammad, not the Jews, whose malevolence subjected the Supreme Manifestation of God to incalculable suffering and who are thus the object of divine judgement.

by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice
1998-09-24

Abdu'l-Bahá predicted the formation of Israel

2008-11-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Abdu'l-Bahá revealed a tablet in 1897 forecasting about formation of Holy Land of Israel.

Perhaps you are familiar with the following Tablet revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá published on page 5, number 250 of "Bahá'í News", cited December 1951; and it provides a perspective in which to view your [Jewish] heritage from the Bahá'í standpoint.

"You have asked Me a question with regard to the gathering of the children of Israel in Jerusalem, in accordance with prophecy. "Jerusalem, the Holy of Holies, is a revered Temple, a sublime name, for it is the City of God... The gathering of Israel at Jerusalem means, therefore, and prophesies, that Israel as a whole, is gathering beneath the banner of God and will enter the Kingdom of the Ancient of Days. For the celestial Jerusalem, which has as its center the Holy of Holies, is; a City of the Kingdom, a Divine City. The East and West are but a small corner of that City. "Moreover, materially as well (as spiritually), the Israelites will all gather in the Holy Land. This is irrefutable prophecy, for the ignominy which Israel has suffered for wellnigh twenty-five hundred years will now be changed into eternal glory, and in the eyes of all, the Jewish people will become glorified to such an extent as to draw the jealousy of its enemies and the envy of its friends." (Abdu'l-Bahá revealed this tablet in 1897 to a Jewish community in the Orient)
The Jewish people have suffered enormously during centuries of exile, and those who sought to justify their evil actions have at different times victimized them by appeals to religion. We Bahá'ís sympathize deeply with the victims of that suffering.

At the same time, Bahá'ís accept that the Jews were responsible for the fate met by Jesus Christ, because this is what the Writings indicate, and we accept that, as with all people who fail to recognize the Manifestation of God at the appointed hour, their destiny as a people has been shaped by the consequences of their failure to recognize and accept Him. This is hardly a radical view. The drama of the Old Testament is largely the story of the travails and victories of the Israelites as they responded or not to the Covenant of God. We also believe, as stated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the passage quoted above, that Providence is delivering the Jews from their historical abasement and lifting them into a glorious condition.

[References in the Baha'i Writings to Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust]
by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice
1998-09-24

Our Beloved Guardian Says :

2008-10-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

"The translation and publication of Bahá'í literature in the European and American Indian languages, allocated to your Assembly and its European Teaching Committee under the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan, is yet another objective of this second phase of this World Crusade, a task that must be resolutely pursued and speedily consummated in order to facilitate the intensive teaching activity which, at a later stage, must be conducted for the purpose of converting a considerable number of the minority races in both Europe and America to the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh."

(Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 129)

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

BAHA’I WORLD CENTRE

30 April 1987

To the Baha'is of the World

Dearly-loved Friends,

This Ridvan, after decades of unabated effort involving prolonged, delicate negotiations, the Government of the State of Israel and the Baha'i World Centre signed an international agreement whose implications—spiritual, historical, and practical—are inestimable for the rapidly evolving World Order of Baha'u'llah.

Approved by unanimous vote of the Cabinet of the National Unity Government, the Agreement states as reasons for the Government's concurrence in it the "friendly relations between the Baha'i world community and the State of Israel" and the "desire of the Government of Israel to give effect to this relationship, and to its recognition of the special status of the Baha'i World Centre". These friendly relations trace their foundation to the inspired initiatives of 'Abdu'1-BahS Himself, particularly during the period following the Revolution of the Young Turks in 1908 when a general amnesty was effected for religious and political prisoners held under the old regime. The prestige acquired by the Faith through the dynamic force of the Master's unique spirit was demonstrated after His release from imprisonment in the actions He took to establish His residence in Haifa at the foot of Mount Carmel, to inter the sacred remains of the Bab in the mausoleum which had been erected by Him on the spot designated by Baha'u'llah Himself, and to travel extensively in the West. Subsequent to these travels, it was more conspicuously illustrated through the excellent relations He forged with high and low alike, the social impact of His liberal ministrations to the needs of the people in the Holy Land, and the conferring of a knighthood upon Him by the British Crown.

This legacy of prestige was evident in the recognition accorded Shoghi Effendi as Head of the Faith by the authorities of the British Mandate. The extent of the Guardian's energetic exertions to achieve recognition of the independent status of the Faith, whose permanent spiritual and administrative centres are in the Holy Land, is beyond the scope of this letter and must, in due time, be afforded full treatment in the work of future historians. Let it suffice to reaffirm here that what he was able to accomplish during the years of the Mandate, in securing custody of Baha'i properties and in obtaining official protection of the Holy Places, recognition of the Baha'i marriage certificate and of Baha'i Holy Days, and relief from certain taxes, combined to reflect a status for the Faith which was accepted by the new Government when the State of Israel was established in 1948. Writing on Shoghi Effendi's behalf to a National Spiritual Assembly on 30 May 1952, his secretary stated that "All the Baha'i properties and imports are exempt from taxation and customs, and the status of the Faith as a religion, recognized". However, the letter pointed out that "At present, we are planning to clarify our legal position with the Government, and get it on a more concrete footing". It is precisely in fulfilling the need for such clarification and more concrete footing that the instrument recently signed in Jerusalem represents a distinctive stage in the relations of the Baha'i World Centre with the Government of this country.

In a ceremony at the Foreign Ministry on 22 April 1987, the second day of Ridvan, the Agreement, comprising an exchange of letters, was signed by Mr. Shimon Peres, Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister, on behalf of the Government of Israel, and Mr. Donald Barrett, Secretary-General of the Baha'i International Community, on behalf of the Baha'i World Centre, in the presence of other high-ranking government officials and Mr. Ronald Bates, Deputy Secretary-General of the Baha'i International Community. Among its contents are the following statements of recognition:

The Government of Israel recognizes the members of the Baha'i Faith as a recognized religious community in Israel in accordance with Article 2 of the Palestine Order in Council, 1922-1947, and confirms that the Baha'i World Centre is the world spiritual and administrative centre of the Baha'i world community and that the Universal House of Justice in Haifa is the Head of the Baha'i Faith and its Supreme Institution in accordance with its constitution.

The Government of Israel recognizes that the holiest places of the Baha'i Faith, in accordance with the Baha'i Sacred Scriptures, are located in Israel, and confirms that the Universal House of Justice is the Trustee of the Baha'i International Community over the Holy Places of the Baha'i Faith in Israel and over the Baha'i endowments in Israel.

From such clearly stated recognition flow privileges and benefits befitting the spiritual and administrative centre of a world Faith. These provisions of the Agreement are defined in terms that are renewable or renego-tiable at certain intervals, lending a flexibility and extension to the Agreement that are among its salient features. The Agreement can thus be regarded as the culmination of a series of preliminary measures of official recognition variously granted by sundry governmental authorities over a span of decades, now confirmed, amplified, extended, and defined in an instrument which places the operation of the Baha'i World Centre on a solid basis in its relations with the Government of Israel and in its other external relations. It thus launches a new phase in the development of the administration of the Faith at its World Centre.

Of unusual importance—and fraught with implications for the future dealings of the Baha'i community everywhere as the Faith passes through the stages of its evolution until its stature is fully acclaimed by the nations—is the nature of the final negotiations, which engaged our representatives in extensive consultations with highly-placed officials, and from which emerged the procedure for sealing the Agreement. For it is a singular fact that the representative of a sovereign government, in the person of its Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister, and the representative of what was justifiably acknowledged as the "world centre of a recognized international non-governmental organization" sat down together to sign an "International Agreement", the first such occurrence in the history of the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

That this should have taken place in the Holy Land, to which only some 120 years ago the Founder of that Cause was banished as a prisoner, evokes in us feelings of wonderment and astonished joy. That the Government which was party to so unprecedented an act happens to be that of a people who have only recently returned, after many centuries of exile, to their homeland bespeaks a token of divine favour of incalculable spiritual and historical importance for the Jewish people.

Dear Friends, the Status Agreement now achieved makes an indelible mark on the Formative Age of our Faith, assuming a special place among the swiftly accumulating evidences of the divine confirmations which have thus far distinguished the opening period of the fourth epoch of that Age. These accompanying signs of God's abounding grace clearly include:

The Conference of Continental Counsellors at the World Centre at the close of which on 2 January 1986 was announced the opening of the fourth epoch.

The establishment in Jerusalem of an Office of Representation for the Baha'I International Community to facilitate the relations of the World Centre with the Government of Israel.

The successful conclusion of the Seven Year Plan, unforgettable for the stature the Cause of Baha'u'llah attained betokening its emergence from obscurity—an emergence resulting largely from the indescribable sacrifices of the beloved friends in Iran.

The completion of the distribution of "The Promise of World Peace" to heads of state and the outstanding events associated with the promulgation of its contents.

The launching of the Six Year Plan which incorporated the feature of planning involving the consultation of Continental Counsellors with National Spiritual Assemblies, and to a large extent, consultation at the grass roots of the national Baha'i communities, leading to the choice of goals for their countries by these National Spiritual Assemblies.

The first visit of a head of government to the World Centre to consult with the Universal House of Justice on issues raised in its Peace Statement.

The participation of Baha'i publishers in an International Book Fair in the capital of the People's Republic of China.

The dedication of the Mother Temple of the Indian sub-continent, an event which opened new opportunities for the Faith to be proclaimed in the Soviet Union, Eastern bloc countries, and China, and which has induced the visits of high-ranking officials from these and other countries to the Temple.

The establishment in Liberia of the first Baha'i radio station on the continent of Africa.

The adoption of the design created by Mr. Husayn Amanat for the complex of edifices remaining to be constructed on the Arc on Mount Carmel.

One practical and spiritually confirming effect of the signing of the Status Agreement is that it brings us within reach of the realization of the beloved Guardian's vision for the Arc on God's Holy Mountain. For with the Agreement in hand formidable obstacles to the execution of the Arc Project have been removed. The conjunction of the completion of the architect's design and the favourable action of the Government thus signals the ripeness of the time to pursue the obligation acutely felt by the' entire Baha'i world to bring to fruition, as soon as possible, the work begun by Shoghi Effendi in the erection of the Archives Building and carried forward in the completion four years ago of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. The plans to be made and the material requirements for so extraordinary an undertaking will, of course, be communicated to the friends in due course. In the meantime, we are happy to announce that the architect of the Indian Temple, Mr. Fariburz Sahba has been assigned the task of designing the Terraces to be situated below and above the Shrine of the Bab; he has also been appointed Project Manager to execute the design already adopted for the three remaining buildings on the Arc.

We rejoice to know that the entire company of Baha'u'llah's loved ones joins us in prayers of thanksgiving for the manifold blessings He is showering In such profusion on the humble efforts being made in His glorious Name.

The Universal House of Justice

"Holy Land" is so very holy to Baha'is also!

2008-10-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

My Dear Brent Poirier,

Your both the comments can be termed as "SELF PRAISED" & "Ego boosting stuff "
You called yourself to be SINCERE, a defender of Islam and Muslims & a Crusader of Baha’i Faith.

A possessor of these qualities need not shout from roof tops.

I still fail to understand that if a Baha’i wishes to teach the Faith in Israel also, what doom has he brought to the Faith? what harm has he done? Which law of Kitab-i-Aqdas he has trampled?

The fact is that why only “YOU” are perturbed about it. We have received 65 mails mostly praising our efforts. Some of them have appreciated the idea but asked us to take the prior permission from the Universal House of Justice.

A true Baha'i does not always condemn “Iranian Muslims”, Here are two examples, those who are aware about the true Baha'is spirit will understand :

In 1982 when Baha'i persecution in Iran was at its peak, in one of the deepenings conducted by Late Mrs. Gloria Faizi (Wife of Late Hand of Cause Mr. Abul Qasim Faizi) an Iranian Baha'i said some unpleasant things about the Iranian Muslims. The same moment Mrs. Faizi reprimanded the Baha’is about his comment and said, “it is not proper to blame the Iranian Muslims for the persecution, but the Iranian officials are responsible for it”. She even asked the gathering to refrain from BACKBITTING. Those who know the Baha’i culture will understand the essence of Baha’i Faith in this incidence.

You have even embarrassed the Noble House. Is it not that the beloved house had thanked and appreciated the step taken by Mrs. Shirin Ebadi for taking up the issue of YARAN. Although she is a staunch Iranian Muslim.

These two points are enough to let the readers of the blog understand, who is ANTI BAHA’I
Dear Mr. Brent I will give you a final answer, If you had a slightest doubt that I had some evil intention, then the Baha’i culture says, “leave that individual”. It is clear that you are unaware of this Baha’i culture.

Regarding reading of the Holy writings it was a good reminder that you are reading, “An Epistle to the son of Wolf”, the other recommended readings for you are “Covenant” by Mr. Adib Taherzadeh & “Mason Remy and Those who followed him” (An article by International Teaching Centre).

I do not need a certificate from the followers of Mason Remy to certify my efforts.

(Above image : Funeral of Abdul baha in Haifa, Israel)

My reply to comments posted by dear Brent Poirier and Dr. Kavian S. Milani.

2008-09-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Your comment lacked sincerity and humbleness. It was devoid of Baha’i moral and Ethics. You cannot hurt the feelings of a fellow believer. You are unaware about the behavior of Central figures of the Faith certainly not of Beloved Shoghi Effendi. You have not seen the sincerity and humbleness of the Members of House of Justice. You are unaware of Baha’i way of consultation. Before commenting on any of my posting, I would advise you to follow Ethics of Internet.

Here I am compelled to answer your comment just because you claim yourself to be a Baha’i.

You claimed to be a self appointed spokesman on behalf of the Baha’is of Jewish background claming to know the Jew mentality very well. I am sure you are not authorized for it. It was not proper at all. The Jews whether “Baha’is” or “Not yet Baha’is” are the most soft spoken, sincere and humble people on earth.

You have done a thorough spell check of my bog and questioned me whether spell checks are not available on Iranian computers? Well the answer to your allegation is that I am REALLY unaware about the Iranian computers and its working but with absolute certainty I can say that spell checks are available on every American computer and must be available on the computers of followers of Mason Remy as well. Be assured I have not gone through your SITES and will never go, even for spell checks. We shun the Covenant Breakers.

I would advise you that next time when you log on to any Baha’i site do not go for spell checks but go for understanding the content

You very well tried to put a doubt, regarding Infallibility of the HOUSE in the minds of Baha’is under the grab of "misspell". I assure you that none of the Baha’is will fall in your trap. They will continue to believe that the Noble body is Infallible.

In Baha’i Faith we do not have preferences of Nationalities. Our two members of International Centre are Persian. Four members of the infallible body are Persian. We have a large number of Counselors and ABMs who are Persian. What more 10 out of 26 Hands of Cause were Persian. Mind it 26 and not 27.

In fact in every NSA we have at least one member who is Persian usually the Treasurer or the Secretary.

Regarding the Concept of A cluster producing 1000 converts, I would say, please update your knowledge about Baha’i Plans. Let me remind you that ENVITY is bad. In future when ENTRY BY TROOPS will begin, we will have more than 1000 converts in a year.

Well your enmity was reflected most in your last sentence calling “Anti Baha’i”. I fail to understand that if the Teaching is permitted in the Holy Land, how it can be termed as Anti Baha’i. Are you aware that in the present world only two types of people exist “Baha’is” and “Not Yet Baha’is”? It clearly points out that a day will come when the whole world will be following Baha'u'llah, that includes Jews as well.

Gathering for Baha'is of Jewish Descent in NYC

2008-09-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Regional Bahá'í Council is delighted to announce this gathering to the believers in the region.

Gathering for Baha'is of Jewish Descent
New York City Baha'i Center 53 East 11th Street Between University Place and Broadway in Manhattan
Saturday, November 27th , from 4:30pm to 7:30pm second floor, front room with Baha'u'llah's announcement that the Promised One of Judaism has come, that the Burning Bush which spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai has now appeared, thousands of Jews have accepted His Faith and became Jewish - Baha'is. With such a decision come untold blessings, challenges and responsibilities.
If you or your ancestors are of Jewish heritage, you are invited to an inaugural meeting for Baha'is of Jewish descent. The purpose of this meeting and the activities that will hopefully spring from are to facilitate the integration of Jewish Believers into the Baha'i community and to strengthen their grasp of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah.

The Department of the Secretariat, responding recently on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, has said that this is indeed a worthy intention. At this meeting we will come together to broaden our understanding of the Baha'i Writings as they relate to Judaism and the Jewish people, and to consult as to how to translate those Words into deeds.

Appeal of Jewish background Baha'is to the State of Israel.

2008-09-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Sir,
We the Baha'is of the Jewish background plead you to please lift this restriction/ban from teaching this Most Divine, the Most Peace loving and the Newest religion to the citizens of Israel.

Dear Sir,
Let us make Local Spiritual Assembelies in all the different cities of Israel and a National Spiritual Assembely of the State of Israel. Let the Counsellors of the International teaching centre make yearly plans for the spread of Bahai Faith in Israel. Let the Israeli children attend Bahai moral classes , let the Bahai youth start intensive programme of Growth for the Israeli citizen, let these young pure souls sign the Bahai youth card.

Dear Sir,
Let us group the various local spiritual Assembelies in Israel into different clusters like A, B, C, D. Let us make plans to have more and more “A” clusters as we are trying in other countries. Dear Sir, by ‘A’ cluster we mean there are 1000 convert in a year and a cluster which can launch intensive programme of Growth (IPG) for the spread of Bahai Faith.

Dear Sir,
Let the Israeli citizen after accepting the Bahai Faith donate generously to the Bahai Fund and pay their Huququllah (The Right of God) . Dear sir, please do not deprive your citizens of this spiritual bounty, Because donation in the Bahai Faith is considered as a spiritual Bounty given only to the Bahais and we do not accept it from Non Bahais.

Dear Sir,
Let our Infalliable ‘House of Justice’ issue special Messages to the Bahais “How to Teach Jew Youths”.

Dear Sir,
By now we have nine Temples or the Houses of Worship in countries like Australia, India, Germany, Panama, Samoa, Etc. We have purchased lands in more than 120 countries for building our future House of Worship. Dear Sir, please give us permission to purchase a land for constructing the House of Worship in Israel also.

Dear Sir,
We do not take part in politics, it is prohibited to a Baha'i. Moreover we never go against the Law of any Government, we promise that we will abide by this Law.

Dear Sir,
Baha’u’llah is the Promised One of all religions: the return of Christ to the Christians, the Messiah to the Jews, Shah Bahram to the Zoroastrians. Al Qaem for the Muslims.

Dear Sir,
Whenever our Honorable members of ‘House of Justice’ visit different countries they make a covenant with the Bahais. The covenant is ‘they will pray in the Holy Shrines on our behalf and the Bahais should propagate the Bahai Faith on their behalf’. As staying in Israel as they are deprived of the bounty of teaching the Bahai Faith. Dear sir, We plead you to please lift this ban, let them get this bounty of teaching. After all, these nine members are the one that when God looked at the earth, the first nine member which he selected to serve his Faith were these Members of the House of Justice.

Dear Sir,
All the religions like Judaism, Chritanity, Islam Buddhism, Hindiusm are rusted and their followers are spiritually dead as they have failed to recognise Baha’u’llah, infact these religions are Kindergarden and Bahai Faith is a Graduate School.

Dear Sir,
Let the Israelis accept the Bahai Faith and make a spiritual progress in Abha Kingdom. Dear Sir please do not deprive your people of the progress of their soul in Abha Kingdom.

Dear Sir,
Christianity has become a spiritual desert, Islam has been taken over by hallucinating ayatollahs, likewise all other religions have been rusted as they have been taken over by superstitions. It is the Bahai Faith which has all its full Glory and Honour.

Dear Sir,
Bahai Faith has become the second most widespread religion on earth and it has the fastest conversion rate. It is the most comfortable religion but such a religion is not allowed to preach and propagate to the Israeli is just a matter of great concern to us.

The problems of the Citizen of the State of Israel

2008-09-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

1-However, in keeping with a policy that has been strictly followed since the days of Bahá'u'lláh, We Bahá'ís do not teach the Faith in Israel. Likewise, the Faith is not taught to Israelis abroad if they intend to return to Israel. When Israelis ask about the Faith, their questions are answered, but this is done in a manner which provides factual information without stimulating further interest."
(Ref: The Universal House of Justice, 1995 Jul 23, Teaching Israelis)

2-"Whenever an Israeli citizen living in the West, irrespective of his background and religious affiliation, declares his belief and interest in becoming a member of the Bahá'í community, he is informed that the Faith is not taught in Israel and that there is no Bahá'í community there apart from those who are associated with the Bahá'í World Center. He cannot be accepted into the Bahá'í community if he is planning to return to Israel to reside there.

3-"If he plans to continue to reside outside Israel, his enrollment can be accepted, but he will then be subject to the same restrictions about travel to Israel as any other Bahá'í, in that he could do so only with the express permission of the Universal House of Justice. In any event, the Universal House of Justice should be informed of any such declaration.
(Ref: Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 20, 1994, to several National Spiritual Assemblies.")

(Compilations, NSA USA - Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities)

Co-operation between the State of Israel and Baha’i Faith

2008-09-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

1-Bahai Faith is officially recognized in State of Israel.

2-All their possessions and properties are being exempted from Government taxes and duties and even for their necessary imports the Baha'is enjoy exemption of custom duties.

3-The publication of Bahai news and information in Israeli news paper and their broadcast over the Israeli radio is permissible and moreover radio Israel sometimes congratulates the Baha'is on their festivals

4-Mrs. Ruhiya Rabbani in one newspaper where she had said "I prefer that the youngest religion i.e. Bahai Faith grows and expands in the most newly country in the world i.e. Israel. we belong to this place and have attachment to each other and in fact it must be said that the future of us and Israel is like the rings of one chain connected to each other."

5-When a Baha'i from other country wants to visit State of Israel, the Israel security exempts the Baha'is from rigorous questioning, if he shows the letter from the UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE.

6-We acknowledge the periodical visits of Israeli Prime Ministers, Presidents and other high ranking officials at our World Centre. The Kind and the good words which they spoke for our Faith cannot be easily forgotten. The last which we heard was former Prime Minister Mr. Arien Sharon.

7-The Government officials in Israel have access to factual information about the Faith, its history and general principles. Books concerning the Faith are available in libraries throughout the State of Israel, and Israelis are welcome to visit the Shrines and the surrounding gardens.

The Support of State of Israel to Baha'i Faith

2008-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

(a) The Israeli president and his wife Mrs. Ben Zoy paid a scheduled visit to the holy sites of Mount Carmel, following the reception given in their honor at the home of His Holiness Abdul-Baha.”

(b) “The Israeli Government’s relations with His Holiness Vali Amrollah and the international Bahai delegation are friendly and sincere. It is a pleasure that successes have been achieved in recognition of the faith in the holy land.”

(c) 12th November 1952, Contract was signed with the Development Authority of the State of Israel whereby the Bahá’í Community secured some 40 Acres of land surrounding the sacred Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.

(d) January 1954,(On the behalf of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi) The President of the International Bahá’í Council (Charles Mason Remey who later on was declared a Covenant Breaker) and Secretary General (Leroy Ioas), asked permission to call on the President of the State of Israel to greet him officially.

(e) Many years ago, the following statement appeared in the official Bahai publication “We are very proud and pleased to announce to the Baha'is the expansion and development of relations between the Bahaism and the officials of the Israeli Government.”

(f) Dr. Lutfullah Hakim, a member of the Universal House of Justice in Israel, in a letter to the Bahai community, wrote:
“ These days the Israeli newspapers, whether in Hebrew, Arabic or English, publish detailed articles on the Bahai religion and His Holiness.”

(g) Amatul Baha Mrs. Roohieh Khanum in a press conference, said:
“ I prefer to have the youngest religion, Bahaism germinate in the newest country of the world, Israel. We belong to, and depend on this country, Israel. Indeed, I should say that ours and Israel’s future are interlinked like a chain.”

(h) The Bahai representatives had meetings with Ben Gorivan the then Prime Minister of Israel in which they expressed their gratitude and appreciation towards Israeli Government and also spoke about sincere feelings and affections of the Bahais for the progress and fate of the Israeli government.

(i) Our Beloved Guardian of the Bahai Faith Shoghi Effendi had a meeting with Master Benzavi of the ex-President of Israel, He told him “I hope that the world Bahai centre in Israel will in an ever- increasing manner be always effectual in progress and lofty position of the country and in the welfare of its citizens."

(j) The official visit of the former president of Israel, Mr. Zalman Shahzar to the Bahai centre on 7th april 1964 and heartly exchanges of compliments between them to the sign of intense connection and cooperation between the Bahai's and the Jews.

The Baha'i Role in creation of Holy Land of Israel

2008-09-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

At a time when the international community of the World were pleading to the United Nations to give official status to their government of Israel, Our Beloved Guardian Shoghi Effendi (grandson of Abbas Effendi), in a letter to the United Nations on behalf of the Palestinians, emphasized his sincere relationships with the Jews and supported their plans for establishment of Holy Land of Israel.

The Declaration of the First Jew of City of Hamadan

2008-09-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

The declaration of the first Jews of Hamadan were equally unexpected. In 1877 a Jewish physician Hakim Aqa Jan was called upon to treat the malaria stricken wife of Muhammad Baqir, a prominent Bahá'í of Hamadan. Accidentally, Aqa Jan gave her strychnine pills instead of quinine. When she nearly died, Aqa Jan became panic stricken, expecting violent repercussions, not only for himself but towards the entire Jewish community as well. Seeing his consternation, Muhammad Baqir assured him that he would not hold him responsible for what was obviously a mistake. The wife recovered, but Aqa Jan was so impressed by Muhammad Baqir's kindness that he assumed Baqir could not be a Muslim and asked him regarding his religion. Muhammad Baqir then informed him that "a new religion has appeared in the world by the name of Bahá'í". Aqa Jan made a thorough investigation of the tenets of the Bahá'í religion and eventually embraced it along with some forty friends and family members, including his father, a leading rabbi of the town.
(quoted in Sulaymani, Masabih-i 4:452-53).

Mr. Lutfullah Hakim
He was the member of the first Universal House of Justice formed in 1963 and was from Jewish background.

Jews and Baha'i Faith

2008-09-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jews acceptance of Bahai Faith

Although Bahá'u'lláh's writings addressed Christians more than any other non-Muslim religious groups and addressed them at an earlier date, but it were the Jews who accepted the Bahai Faith more than any other religious groups.

The Jewish acceptance movement began in Hamadan around 1877, and by 1884, according to the historian of Persian Jewry Habib Levy, involved some one hundred and fifty of the eight-hundred Jewish households.
(Levy, Tarikh-i-Yahud-i-Iran 657).

From there, the Bahá'í Faith spread to the Jewish communities of other Iranian cities, including Kashan (where half of the Bahá'í community was of Jewish origin), Tehran, Isfahan, Bukhara, and Gulpaygan (where seventy-five percent of the Jewish community was said to have accepted The Baha’I Faith)
(Curzon, Persia 500).

According to the our Bahá'í historian Hasan Balyuzi, Táhirih was instrumental in converting a number of Jews to the Babí Faith in Hamadan
(Balyuzi, The Báb 165).

These acceptance do not appear to have had any connection with later Bahá'í declarations. It should be noted however, that of all the Babí leaders, Táhirih was the most outspoken in departing from Islamic norms.