The Story of the Abraham Path
William Ury co-founded Abraham Path, a walking trail and cultural route in the Middle East that retraces the steps of Abraham and his family.
In 2006, an eclectic group of 25 people from around the world embarked on a trip from Urfa to Hebron, following the epic journey of the world’s first pilgrim, Abraham. They included academics, writers, trekking professionals, cultural tourism experts, and leaders from civil society groups in the Middle East, religious circles and the business community.
The group traveled well over a 1000 km (625 mi) from one of the most revered sites in the story of Abraham, his Birth Cave in Urfa, to another: his Burial Cave in Hebron. Along the way they met a mosaic of people, communities and local leaders across the Middle East to talk about a radical idea: to develop the first long-distance walking trail across the region. The trail would provide economic opportunities to small rural communities, a creative space for stories that highlight the unique culture, heritage and hospitality of the region, and a place of meeting and connection between people from the Middle East and people from around the world. The path would connect the world to the Middle East in a new way: through the combined power of Walk, Story and Hospitality.