Shai Shvalb-Know the Land-Israel Private Tour Guide

03/06/2025

"Imagine what would have happened if Japan hadn’t agreed to surrender in 1945."

Imagine what would have happened if Japan hadn’t agreed to surrender in 1945.

01/06/2025

The Samaritans are a small ethno-religious group with ancient roots in the Land of Israel. They claim descent from the northern Israelite tribes, especially Ephraim and Manasseh. According to the Hebrew Bible, however, they were brought to the region by the Assyrians following the conquest of the northern kingdom in the 8th century BCE. The Samaritans regard Mount Gerizim—not Jerusalem—as their holiest site. Their history diverged from mainstream Judaism during the First Temple period, and the divide deepened in later centuries. Once numbering in the hundreds of thousands, their population declined drastically due to persecution, marginalization, and intermarriage restrictions. Today, only about 850 Samaritans remain, living primarily in two communities—one on Mount Gerizim near Nablus and the other in Holon, near Tel Aviv.

This morning, the Samaritan community ascended to their holy mountain, Mount Gerizim. According to Samaritan belief, this is where the binding of Isaac took place, here Joshua ben Nun placed 12 stones as the number of the tribes of Israel, this is the site of the altar of Adam and his son Seth, the altar of Noah, and here is the "Hill of the World," the spiritual center of the world. During the pilgrimage, the Samaritans pass through these stations and offer prayers in the ancient Hebrew language and accent.

The pilgrimage begins in the early morning hours, culminating with the raising of the Torah scroll at sunrise, in a beautiful and moving ceremony.

Photo: Sarit Pelchi-Miara, Avisag Ayalon - Israel Nature and Parks Authority.