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John the Baptist

A new wooden deck at the Qasr al-Yahud baptism site on the banks of the Jordan River, in the West Bank. (Shay Isaacs/Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
February 10, 2026, 8:29 pm
Qasr al-Yahud baptismal site reopens after NIS 25 million facelift
New-look Christan holy site in West Bank includes wide wooden deck for safe access to water, new shower and changing facility, a prayer pergola, and landscaping
By Sue Surkes
Illustrative: A cartoon published in the Guardian, portraying UK Labour Party leader Kier Starmer holding up former party leader Jeremy Corbyn's severed head on a golden plate.
November 15, 2020, 3:06 pm
Guardian readers’ editor criticizes Corbyn cartoon some called anti-Semitic
Steve Bell’s reference to painting of Judean princess receiving head of John the Baptist deemed ‘highly provocative and open to just the kind of interpretations made’
By ToI Staff
Illustrative: A cartoon published in the Guardian, portraying UK Labour Party leader Kier Starmer holding up former party leader Jeremy Corbyn's severed head on a golden plate.
October 30, 2020, 11:26 pm
Guardian under fire for cartoon of Labour leader with Corbyn’s head on platter
Referencing a Caravaggio painting of Judean princess Salome receiving head of John the Baptist, drawing criticized as anti-Semitic and insensitive following beheadings in France
By ToI Staff
Remains of the Roman basilica at Sebastia in the West Bank, August 2015. (Ilan Ben Zion)
August 7, 2018, 8:21 pm
Palestinians jailed for trying to rob biblical archaeological site
Samaria Military Court sentences 3 men to 36 days in prison after they were caught damaging Sebastia, in northern West Bank
By Michael Bachner
The historical Jerusalem neighborhood of Ein Kerem is believed to be the birthplace of John the Baptist and has been inhabited by Jews since the Second Temple period. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
November 5, 2016, 9:54 am
Ancient handicrafts flourish in Jerusalem’s mystical Ein Kerem
Enchanting, historic village, filled with picturesque streets and alleyways, is the stuff of which legends are made
By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am
A trap door in the Shimshoni's living room opening up to a ancient ritual bath. (Assaf Peretz/courtesy Israel Antiquities Authority)
July 1, 2015, 1:16 pm
Jerusalem family finds 2,000-year-old ritual bath under living room
Discovery in traditional hometown of John the Baptist points to presence of Jewish village during Second Temple era
By Ilan Ben Zion
Pilgrims immersing themselves in the Jordan River, associated with purity and holiness since the days of John the Baptist (photo credit: Shmuel Bar-Am)
February 8, 2014, 9:30 am
Immerse yourself in purity on the Jordan River shore
Duck calls in old eucalyptus groves, historical hotbeds of socialism and stunning spur-winged plovers await Yardenit visitors
By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am
A vaulted room in the recently uncovered Crusader hospital in Jerusalem's Old City (photo credit: Courtesy Israel Antiquities Authority)
August 5, 2013, 9:50 pm
Massive Crusader hospital uncovered in Old City
Knights Hospitallers cared for Christian pilgrims at the site; Jewish patients received kosher food
By Lazar Berman
Israeli tourists at Sebastia near Nablus. (photo credit: File/Flash90)
June 3, 2013, 3:30 am
Stuck between Israel and PA, key archaeological site neglected
Ancient Israelite capital Sebastia, site of important Roman and Crusader ruins, lies unprotected because of security situation
By Daniela Berretta
Church of St. John the Baptist (photo: courtesy Shmuel Bar-Am)
December 7, 2012, 8:40 am
Ein Kerem, a paradise on the slopes
Identified by many scholars as the biblical village of Beit Hakerem, these lush, staggered hills boast splendid churches, a stone-encased spring, quaint little alleys filled with art studios and cafés — and a plethora of Old World charm
By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am
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