Israel Designates Route 60 as the ‘Biblical Highway’

The Israeli government approved a new designation for Route 60, officially naming it the ‘Biblical Highway.’ This historic route stretches from Nazareth in the north to Beersheba in the south, passing through some of the most significant sites in biblical history. The initiative aims to create an experience akin to Route 66 for Bible enthusiasts, students, and tourists.

The highway’s history spans over 4,000 years, running along Israel’s central mountain ridge. It begins in Beersheba, the southern desert city where Abraham is believed to have established an oasis. From there, it proceeds to Hebron, site of the Cave of the Patriarchs, purchased by Abraham 3,800 years ago. King David was also crowned king in Hebron.

Route 60 continues through Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and Jerusalem, home to Mount Moriah and the First and Second Temples. The northern section includes Bet El, Shiloh, and Shechem, each with its own significant connections to biblical stories and figures.

Yishai Fleisher, a spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, highlighted the highway’s educational, heritage, and tourism value. He mentioned similar roads around the world, such as Germany’s Romantic Road and Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Fleisher emphasized the importance of the Bible to Israel’s identity, especially amid efforts to assert claims over Jewish historical sites by the Palestinian Authority.

The initiative also sees the creation of visitor centers, observation points, and multilingual signage to enrich the experience. Ze’ev Orenstein, Director of International Affairs at City of David, noted the highway’s role in allowing visitors to experience biblical history firsthand. The ‘Biblical Highway’ is expected to strengthen Israel’s branding as the land of the Bible.

David Parsons, spokesperson for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, commented on the move, stating that a better understanding of the Bible can combat antisemitism. He also mentioned the historical acknowledgment marked by the King’s Highway in Jordan, paralleling Israel’s initiative.