The
pilgrimage way to Jerusalem is a footpath for people of all nations, a golden
thread embroidered in the braid of trails leading to Jerusalem.
This
trail, engraved in the human consciousness since ages past, need
not be invented, it need only be recovered underneath a sparse layer of
the dust of ages.
The
trail ascends from the Port of Jaffa to ancient Jerusalem and passes through
mythological regions, sanctified sites and landscapes which are in danger
of mutilation.
Planned
along the way are activities aimed at bringing different cultures together,
site preservation and the cultivation of sustainable environment.
Hikers
and pilgrims will proceed on foot or be transported by carts and will travel
along an exciting and meaningful course winding along a landscape which
will be rejuvenated, clean and glowing with the values of man and nature.
With
their footsteps, the new pilgrims will mark a way to peace, peace among
nations, peace with the environment and peace between a person and himself.
During
the past seven years, popular hikes along the pilgrimage way have been conducted,
inspired by the feasts of celebration of different religions.
To
date, twenty five journeys have taken course during the Hebrew feasts of Passover,
Pentecost and Tabernacle, and one journey on the threshold of the third
millennium.
The
journeys were conducted on a voluntary basis by the Pathway Circle, a popular
organization for renewing the tradition of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The
planning of the route is carried out by the Israel Government Tourist Corporation,
through the initiative of the Tav Group.