Israel to Open New ‘Biblical Highway’ on Route 60

The Israeli government approved a new designation for Route 60, now known as the ‘Biblical Highway.’ This highway runs from Nazareth in the north to Beersheba in the south, passing through numerous historically significant sites. This decision is part of an initiative to create an experience similar to Route 66 in the United States, catering to Bible enthusiasts, students, and tourists.

Route 60 has existed for over 4,000 years, aligned with Israel’s central mountain ridge. It starts in Beersheba, a place linked to Abraham, believed to have established an oasis there. David Parsons, from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, states that understanding the Bible helps combat antisemitism, highlighting the land’s long-standing significance.

The Bible is not a collection of fables and fairy tales, but an accurate account of a people and a land that have given the world ideas and values of universal benefit and inspiration.

The route continues to Hebron, where the Cave of the Patriarchs is located. This site contains the burial place of biblical figures and was King David’s first capital. The route then passes through Bethlehem and Jerusalem, recognized for their profound biblical connections.

Moving further north, the highway goes through Bet El and Shiloh. Bet El is linked to Jacob’s dream and his subsequent naming as Israel. Shiloh served as the spiritual center for nearly 400 years. Additionally, the highway includes Shechem, connected to Joseph’s burial according to tradition, and Mount Tabor, associated with the prophetess Deborah.

The road ends in Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. Yishai Fleisher, a spokesman for the Hebron Jewish community, has long advocated for recognizing Route 60. He likens it to roads like Germany’s Romantische Straße and Spain’s Camino de Santiago.

Fleisher sees this initiative as holding educational, heritage, and tourism value. He believes it reinforces the biblical identity of Israel amid Palestinian attempts to challenge Jewish historical narratives related to key sites.

Ze’ev Orenstein of City of David expresses that the ‘Biblical Highway’ will allow visitors to engage with the geography where biblical stories unfolded. The Ministry of Tourism supports this initiative and plans to incorporate the new name into marketing efforts, including visitor centers and signage.

This development aligns with historical recognition practices, such as Jordan’s King’s Highway. The decision reflects not just an acknowledgment of historical facts but also reinforces the cultural heritage of the region.