Photo: Dr Margarita Bell The Baha'i community worldwide held a special celebration on March 24, 2025, to mark Nowruz – the Baha'i New Year – at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem.
Hundreds of participants were invited to the event, including diplomats, academics, spiritual leaders, social activists, and guests from across the country and around the world.
The evening began with a blessing from the community's secretary-general, who emphasized the profound significance of Nowruz as a day of renewal, hope, and new beginnings – not just on a personal level, but also as a vision for a more unified and just world. Following this, additional speeches addressed the core values of the Baha'i faith: world peace, harmony among religions, and service to humanity.
David and Tracey Freeman, Representatives of the Baha'i International Community based in Jerusalem warmly welcomed all guests at the entrance to the banquet hall.Traditional music performances and poetic recitations added an emotional cultural dimension to the evening, as the entire audience was immersed in a spirit of spirituality and inspiration. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner featuring diverse dishes from various cuisines – a symbol of the value of "unity in diversity" at the heart of the Baha'i belief.
The event also served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between communities and spiritual leaders, promoting interfaith dialogue and cross-border collaborations. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and filled with hope for the future.
At the close of the evening, many participants described a profound sense of inspiration and a desire to work towards a more equal, solidarity-driven, and unified world.
The Nowruz 2025 celebration in Jerusalem left a mark on hearts – and will be remembered as an event of spirit, culture, and heartwarming connections.
Tracey Freeman, Rep. of the Baha'i Int Community in Jerusalem, Margarita Bel, Chief Innovation Officer, Easy Cyber