Israeli government now calls Route 60 "Biblical Highway" to draw heritage tourism,anchor nation's identity in biblical history. Highway stretches from Nazareth in north to Beersheba in south,cutting through some of Israel's key historical sites.
Route 60's been around over 4,000 years, tracing Israel's central mountain ridge. Starts in Beersheba,linked to Abraham,who reportedly set up oasis there. Route heads to Hebron,home to Cave of the Patriarchs,believed to be final resting place of biblical figures. King Herod built this monumental structure ~2,000 years ago,marking Hebron as King David’s first capital.
Highway crosses Bethlehem,Jesus' birthplace,and Rachel's Tomb. Jerusalem,modern capital,is also along the way,featuring Mount Moriah,site of Isaac's Binding,and locations of First and Second Temples. Journey moves north to Bet El,where Jacob dreamed his prophetic dream,and Shiloh,spiritual center for nearly 400 years.
Yishai Fleisher,international spokesman for Hebron's Jewish community,welcomed government's recognition of highway. Compared it to famous routes like Germany's Romantic Road and U.S.'s Route 66 . Fleisher stressed educational,tourism value of initiative,saying it aligns with Israel's biblical identity.
Palestinian Authority claims over Jewish historical sites. Fleisher noted attempts to reinterpret or challenge traditional narratives at places like Western Wall,Temple Mount. Renaming Route 60 as Biblical Highway,he argued,strengthens Jewish state's historical roots.
Ze’ev Orenstein,Director of International Affairs at City of David,said initiative lets visitors engage with biblical history in its geographical setting. Called Biblical Highway chance for millions to experience faith,heritage tangibly. David Parsons,senior VP of International Christian Embassy Jerusalem,agreed,stating understanding Bible can combat antisemitism by fostering appreciation of Jewish history.
Israeli Ministry of Tourism supports name change,plans to weave Biblical Highway into country's marketing strategy. Visitor centers,observation points,multilingual signage expected to boost tourist,local experience.
Parsons also noted Jordan has a King’s Highway,which Israelites traveled,suggesting Israel's move recognizes historical truths,not politics. He believes project will invite people to encounter Bible as living geography,relevant today…
