Israel is designating Route 60, a highway stretching from Nazareth to Beersheba, as the ‘Biblical Highway’. This route runs along Israel’s central mountain ridge and has historical and religious significance.

Route 60 has existed for over 4,000 years. Starting in Beersheba, it moves north to Nazareth, passing sites central to biblical history. The initiative aims to create a Route 66-style experience for Bible enthusiasts, students, and tourists.

Religion and history expert David Parsons emphasizes understanding the Bible to combat antisemitism. He argues that recognizing the Jewish people’s history can benefit all humanity.

The highway passes important sites like Hebron, with the Cave of the Patriarchs, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and Jerusalem, Israel’s capital. Further north, it includes Bet El, Shiloh, and Shechem, each with its unique biblical stories.

“The more archaeological evidence you examine in Israel, the more you see that the Bible provides an accurate account of a people and a land,” says Parsons.

Yishai Fleisher, a spokesperson for Hebron’s Jewish community, notes that the government recognizes Route 60 as the Biblical Highway. He compares it to other famous cultural and historical routes worldwide.

The initiative also addresses the Palestinian Authority’s claims over Jewish historical sites. Renaming Route 60 strengthens Israel’s ancient identity, according to Fleisher.

Ze’ev Orenstein of the City of David highlights the highway’s potential to connect visitors with biblical history. The Ministry of Tourism plans to incorporate ‘The Biblical Highway’ into marketing efforts.