Message written on behalf the Universal House of Justice regarding pilgrimage – 12 March 2020

12 March 2020

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has been following closely the evolving global health crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and for some time the Department of Pilgrimage has been advising prospective pilgrims and visitors about the rapidly changing restrictions being imposed on travellers by the government of Israel. The current situation and the escalating measures being taken by governments and airlines have now necessitated the suspension of pilgrimage and brief visits to the Holy Land until such time as circumstances permit them to resume.

The House of Justice regrets that many friends who were planning to visit the World Centre of the Cause will be affected by this suspension, but it hopes that they will, before long, be able to fulfil their hearts’ desire.

Kindly assure the friends in your communities of the supplications of the House of Justice at the Sacred Threshold that Bahá’u’lláh’s unfailing assistance and strengthening grace may surround them as well as their compatriots and that all those affected by this outbreak may be sheltered beneath the canopy of His watchful care.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat