Spotlight on Religion: Christianity

May 25th 2016

There are a lot of incredible aspects to Israel from the technological, medical, and scientific breakthroughs to the disproportionate amount of innovations and startups that come out of this small country. The most fascinating of all though, is the fact that so many religions from across the spectrum can actually live peacefully and respectfully within such close borders. From Christians to Jews, Druze to Arab, Bedouins and more, everyone can find their place in the Holy Land. Today, let’s highlight Christianity, one of the primary religions that flourishes in Israel, where people are free to practice, speak, and live their faith without fear or condemnation. What a country.

Christians have a strong base in Israel, and there are so many holy locations for a faithful congregant to visit during his or her trip.

Bethlehem is the place where the entire religion began, so it’s a good place to start your tour as well. Birthplace to Jesus, Bethlehem is located right outside Jerusalem. People flock to this city especially during the Christmas season to be at the Church of the Nativity for the holidays.

Nazareth is significant for Christians because this is the place where Jesus was conceived, birthed, and raised. Hometown of Mary and spot for the Annunciation, people enjoy roaming the streets that their savior traversed in his youth.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, and it is one of the holiest Christian sites in Israel. Also known as the Church of the Resurrection, this is the place of both Jesus’ resurrection and the area where his tomb rests. A Christian simply cannot visit Israel without stopping at this church.

St George’s Church can be found in the West Bank in Wadi Qelt. It was started by John of Thebes, and it was the epicenter for hermit cave dwellers in the area. It is presently more of a tourist site than a religious sanctuary, but it holds significant historical value, including the bones of slaughtered monks who were killed there by the Persians.

Of course, don’t forget to traverse the Jesus Trail. It’s a 40 mile hike through the Galilee that highlights the exact path that Jesus himself may have traveled. The hike is a brisk walk that most mobile individuals can handle, and it points out several significant locations along the way.

There are also interesting finds such as the Mt of Beatitudes, Bethsaida, and Capernaum that anyone would enjoy visiting. Come to Israel this year, and discover the beauty that only unconditional acceptance and harmony of faiths can bring.