Bahai Cemetery, Haifa

The Baha'i Cemetery in Haifa is a place of deep respect and memory, nestled against the striking backdrop of Mount Carmel's steep northern rock face. Covering an area of six acres, it sits close to the historic and spiritual site of the lower Cave of Elijah, known as the School of the Prophets, at the very point where the mountain meets the plain.

This sacred ground was acquired following the guidance of 'Abdu'l-Baha, marking an important moment in the faith's history with the burial of Haji Mirza Muhammad-Taqi Afnan, a cousin of the Bab and a Government Deputy, in August 1911. The initial burials, which include many esteemed followers remembered in the Memorials of the Faithful, are mainly located along the cemetery's western boundary.

Throughout the years, the cemetery has transformed into a peaceful and beautiful sanctuary. It has been enhanced systematically with the addition of lush hedges, tall palm trees, and colorful floral arrangements, reflecting the community's commitment to honoring its departed members. Despite these improvements, the cemetery remains open for new burials, serving as the final resting place for faithful adherents from the Haifa-Akka region.

Among the notable individuals buried here are the Hands of the Cause of God—John E. Esslemont, Horace Holley, Amelia E. Collins, Leroy C. Ioas, Tarazu'llah Samandari, and Abu'l-Qasim Faizi—as well as Lutfu'llah Hakim and Amoz Gibson, who were members of the Universal House of Justice. Their graves, along with those of many dedicated servants of the Faith, particularly on the cemetery's eastern side, stand as silent reminders of their lifelong devotion. Some of these individuals are also commemorated in the 'In Memoriam' sections of The Baha'i World volumes, ensuring their legacies endure.