What's Happening?
The Baha'i community in Acre, Israel, celebrated the Ayyam-i-Ha festival at the Baha'i Shrine and Gardens in Bahji. This event, held just before the Baha'i Fast, focuses on community service, hospitality, and generosity. Dr. David Rutstein, Secretary-General
of the Baha'i International Community, welcomed participants from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the festival's dedication to joy and service to humanity. The Ayyam-i-Ha are intercalary days in the Baha'i calendar, celebrated with festivities, gift-giving, and charity work. Although there is no local Baha'i community in Israel, around 700 Baha'i volunteers reside there temporarily as religious volunteers at the Baha'i World Center.
Why It's Important?
The Ayyam-i-Ha celebration underscores the Baha'i community's commitment to inclusivity and service, reflecting broader themes of religious tolerance and cultural diversity. The event in Acre serves as a reminder of the Baha'i faith's global presence and its emphasis on unity and peace. By hosting such celebrations, the Baha'i community fosters cross-cultural understanding and strengthens ties with local and international participants. This festival also highlights the challenges faced by Baha'i communities in regions where they experience persecution, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and human rights.
