The Legacy of Women in the Holy Land

By Mr. Haytham Dieck Tour Guide Program Coordinator

As we celebrate World Tourism Day, it’s important to recognize that tourism is not just a social and cultural phenomenon, as defined by the World Tourism Organization, but also a gateway to understanding the rich heritage of women in the Holy Land. The role of women throughout history, particularly in religious contexts, is profound and inspiring, adding wisdom and sanctity to the narrative of this region.

Women have long been leaders, and their contributions to theology form a vital connection to salvation history. The most notable example is the Virgin Mary, through whose womb the Lord was born. The heritage of women in the Holy Land is deeply tied to pivotal events that continue to inspire locals and pilgrims alike. In Bethlehem, for instance, the birth of Jesus is inextricably linked to Mary. It was in this humble town that the divine Logos was first presented to the world through the medium of the Virgin.

The sites associated with Mary in the Holy Land are filled with a sense of mystery and reverence. As scripture tells us, Mary “treasured all these things in her heart.” Her journey to Bethlehem with Joseph was not without challenges—finding shelter during the Roman census, when all Judeans were gathering in Bethlehem, would have been difficult. Ultimately, Mary gave birth in a humble grotto, and this sacred event is now celebrated in the Church of the Nativity, built over the grotto where Christianity was born.

But the Holy Family’s story did not end there. Faced with King Herod’s threat, they embarked on a journey that can be seen as the “Exodus of the New Testament.” According to local tradition, after the visit of the Magi, the Holy Family fled eastward into the desert, seeking refuge where Herod’s reach could not extend. Miraculous intervention, much like the miracles of the Old Testament exodus, is believed to have guided them safely to Egypt.

One particularly significant site connected to women’s heritage is the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem. Tradition holds that while breastfeeding the infant Jesus, a drop of Mary’s milk fell, turning the cave’s stone a brilliant white. This site, believed to be where the Magi visited the Holy Family, continues to be a place of devotion for women, especially those praying for blessings related to childbirth.

Rachel’s Tomb, another important site, highlights the struggles women have faced through history. Rachel, one of the biblical matriarchs, died in childbirth. For centuries, women have come to her tomb to pray for safe pregnancies and deliveries, seeking divine intervention in their times of need. This moment of giving life, intertwined with immense challenges, reflects a deep need for faith in God, particularly in life’s most difficult moments.

Similarly, the story of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, further underscores the theme of divine timing in women’s lives. Sarah waited until the age of 90 to bear a child, laughing in disbelief when angels told her she would conceive. Her son, Isaac, whose name means “laughter,” was born against all odds. The site of this miraculous event is commemorated in Hebron at Mamre.

Women have not only played vital roles in biblical history but also in preserving and discovering the physical sites associated with it. Empress Helena, considered one of the earliest female archaeologists, embarked on a journey in the 4th century to locate the holy sites connected to Jesus’ life. Without her efforts, the locations of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, and his death and resurrection in Jerusalem, might never have been uncovered. Her most famous discovery was the True Cross, a relic central to Christian faith. In her honor, several cities were named Helenopolis.

Finally, we must not forget the role of Mary Magdalene, often called the “Apostle to the Apostles.” It was she who brought the joyous news of Jesus’ resurrection to the disciples, becoming a vital link in the spread of Christianity. She was, in a sense, the “living church” in the early Christian era.

In this brief reflection, it becomes clear that women have shaped not only history and archaeology but also our spiritual connection with God. The holy sites of today continue to echo the profound impact of their lives, offering timeless lessons of faith, resilience, and divine grace.