Yesterday, H.E. Job Daudi Masima, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania has paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Muhammad Sharif Odeh, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Haifa. It was in a very friendly and nice atmosphere that His Excellency met with the community.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is an Islamic revival or messianic movement originating in Punjab, British India, in the late 19th century.
Ahmadiyya in Israel is a small community, first established in the region in the 1920s.
Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Ahmadis can openly practice their faith. As such, Kababir, a neighbourhood on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, acts as the Middle East headquarters of the Community.
It is unknown how many Israeli Ahmadis there are, although it is estimated there are about 2,200 Ahmadis in Kababir alone.
Haifa city officials view the Community as a model of coexistence, the Mayor of Haifa describes the local Ahmadis as "Reform Arabs." Multiple politicians have visited the local Community.
The local Ahmadi community is an active contributor in the life of the city, such as participation in interfaith activities, for instance in the Haifa Forum for Interfaith Cooperation.
Ahmadi Muslims organize an annual neighbour’s day to promote good relations with its neighbours and to introduce the Ahmadiyya Community.
The Community also plays a significant role in the Holiday of Holidays, a local festival attended by tens of thousands of people.
Ahmadi leaders and members participate in all the symbolic and official ceremonies and gatherings, together with other religious and political leaders with whom it maintains serene and active relations.
As the regional headquarters of the Community, in the only country in the Middle East that permits Ahmadi Muslims to practice their faith freely, the Haifa community hosts an annual conference for Ahmadi religious leaders from various parts of the world, particularly Middle Eastern countries.
