wfn.org | Baha'i Terraces Opening on Mt. Carmel on Satellite

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OPENING OF BAHA'I TERRACES ON MOUNT CARMEL TO
BE AVAILABLE LIVE BY SATELLITE WORLDWIDE

Baha'i World News Service
http://www.bahaiworldnews.org
23 April 2001

HAIFA, Israel, 23 April 2001 (BWNS) ­ Coverage of
ceremonies inaugurating the opening of a series of
majestic terrace gardens extending nearly one kilometer
up the side of Mount Carmel will be available live by
satellite around the world on 22 and 23 May 2001.

More than 3,000 Baha'is from some 170 countries are
expected to attend the outdoor event on the evening of
22 May, which will feature an original oratorio,
performed by a symphony orchestra and choir
assembled at the base of the terraces. At the height of
the ceremony, the kilometer-long terraces will be
dramatically illuminated. They extend from the base to
the crest of a mountain that  has been considered holy
throughout recorded history.

The ceremonies will mark the end of a 10-year, US$250
million project to complete key elements of the spiritual
and administrative center of the Baha'i Faith. Two
major administrative buildings have also been
completed on Mount Carmel during the project.

On 23 May, following concert and inauguration,
indigenous performers will lead a devotional program,
and the thousands of celebrants, many in colorful
national dress, will ascend the terraces for the first time.
This event will also be carried live by satellite.

"Given the universal character of the Faith and its vision
for global unity and peace, it makes sense that coverage
of these events is available worldwide, " said Douglas
Samimi-Moore, director of the Office of Public
Information at the Baha'i World Centre. "This
celebration tells a story of sacrifice, of transformation
from deprivation and darkness into beauty and light.
That such a diverse and widespread community could
complete these tasks and share them with the people of
the world should give us all confidence for the future."

The celebration of the opening of the gardens will last
through the week. The festivities  precede the public
opening in June,  when visitors and tourists of all
backgrounds and beliefs will be able to enjoy the
gardens, everyday, free of charge.

At the heart of the terraces, is the gold-domed Shrine of
the Bab, one of the most important holy places for
Baha'is. The Shrine, a well-known symbol of the city of
Haifa, contains the remains of one of the two founders
of the Baha'i Faith, known as the Bab. The terraces are
designed to surround the building like the setting of a
precious gem.

"The arrival of thousands of representatives from nearly
every ethnic group and nationality to consecrate this
holy place will be a sharp contrast to the turmoil and
uncertainty in the region," said Mr. Samimi-Moore.
"Baha'is have built these structures because we are
confident in the peaceful future of humanity. The power
to unite is one that the world desperately needs."

Satlink Communications Ltd will be transmitting the
events from 13.30 ­ 17.30GMT on 22 May, and from
05.30 ­ 08.30 GMT on 23 May. Inside Israel, the events
can be seen on the EUTELSAT W1 and on television
channel 9. Outside Israel, coverage will be on
EUTELSAT-W1 (Israel, Europe and the Middle East),
INTELSAT 604- (Africa Coverage), ASIASAT 2 (Asia
Coverage), TELSTAR 6 (North America), NSS 806
(South America), and NSS 803 (USA).

More information about the satellite up-link of the
opening of the Terraces is available at
http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/terraces/satellite.en.html

The Israel Broadcasting Authority is also preparing a
full-length live radio broadcast of the May 22 event on
its flagship music station, Kol Israel (Voice of Israel),
with narration. The IBA will also act as the sponsoring
station to carry the program to the European Broadcast
Union and thereby to national radio outlets in many
member countries.

More information about the opening of the Terraces is
available at http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/terraces.

Members of the media wishing more information and
program specifics, please contact Nancy Ackerman in Israel at
972 (4) 835-8845 and 972 (5) 375-7103 or Jessica
Dacey at 972 (4) 835-8767 and 972(5)375-7121, or by
email at: ieomedia@bwc.org
OR Brad Pokorny in the USA at 212-803-2544
or by email at bpokorny@bic.org