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The very dead sea: Drought threatens Israel’s biblical bodies of water

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Published: 28 December 2017

Last updated: 4 March 2024

THE BIBLICAL BODIES of waters — pilgrimage sites for baptisms and beach parties alike — are crucial to the survival and stability of Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians. But more and more of the river the ancient Israelites crossed to enter the Holy Land is drying up — the result of climate change, growing populations and the increasing use of its water for agriculture.

The water basin is dotted with sacred sites for Jews, Muslims and Christians. Jesus, who was baptised in the Jordan, is said to have walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee and multiplied loaves and fishes on its shores.

The medieval Jewish scholar Moses Maimonides is buried by the lakeshore, and companions of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad are buried on the eastern banks of the Jordan.

For visitors with high expectations for such iconic sites, the scenes can be shocking.

FULL STORY Lingering drought threatens Holy Land’s waters (Times of Israel)

Photo: In this September 16, 2017, file photo, a swimmer prepares to participate in the annual Sea of Galilee swim near Tiberias (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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