Respect!

The Samaritans in the Bible and today

One of the oldest and smallest religious communities in the world is on everyone's lips: rescue services and hospitals bear the name of the "Samaritans". Internationally, "The Good Samaritan Law" protects helpers from prosecution.

But who are the Samaritans? Little is known about this micro-community of 850 people who live both in modern Israel and in the West Bank on their ancient sacred Mount Garizim near the Palestinian city of Nablus. They trace themselves back to the biblical characters Aaron and Joseph. The struggle for respect and recognition at all times is not only inscribed in the oldest texts of the Bible, but shapes the actions of people to this day.

In March 2023, BIMU will open a new exhibition that offers unprecedented access to the life, culture and history of the Samaritans. Developed in collaboration with the Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies and the Museum of the Bible under the direction of Prof. Steven Fine, the exhibition is the first of its kind. In Frankfurt, it is conducted in cooperation with Prof. Benedikt Hensel, Chair of Old Testament at the Carl-von-Ossietzky University, Oldenburg.

Unique videos, some of which were filmed in family and home settings, showcase the diverse life experiences of the Samaritans.

The exhibition brings together valuable manuscripts, prints and artefacts from the last 2000 years in a showcase with modern evidence of the life of a small but vibrant community. Interactive stations pose questions about one's own identity and the question of what is to be done.

Valuable loans come from Israel, New York, Washington, Paris, Fribourg, Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt.

An exhibition at the Bibelhaus from 1 March to 28 May 2023.