UNESCO'S World Heritage Committee added 19 cultural sites, and eight natural sites to its World Heritage list this week --- among them are the Bahai gardens in the Israeli cities of Haifa and Acre.

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization says the Bahai holy places in Israel are testimony to the Bahai tradition of pilgrimage and for their profound meaning in the faith.

The properties, numbering 26 buildings, monuments and sites at 11 locations in Acre and Haifa are associated with the founders of the Bahai faith. They include the Shrine of the Bahaullah in Acre, and the Mausoleum of the Bab in Haifa.

(CCTV July 14, 2008)