Ribbon Falls on Ideal Center of Scientology for the Middle East

On August 21, national and city dignitaries as well as religious leaders joined Scientologists from Israel and 27 nations to celebrate the opening of the new Center of Scientology in Tel Aviv. The Center is the first Ideal Scientology Organization (Ideal Org) in the Middle East and designed to both serve the growing membership and provide Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs throughout the region.

On August 21, national and city dignitaries as well as religious leaders joined Scientologists from Israel and 27 nations to celebrate the opening of the new Center of Scientology in Tel Aviv. The Center is the first Ideal Scientology Organization (Ideal Org) in the Middle East and designed to both serve the growing membership and provide Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs throughout the region.


Located on Jerusalem Boulevard in Tel Aviv’s ancient port city of Jaffa, the Center’s new home is the historic Alhambra Theater. Originally constructed in 1937, the landmark is remembered by generations as the premier venue for the greatest names in Arab and Israeli music and theater. In the 1980s, the building was converted into a commercial center and by the first decade of the 21st century, its glory had faded.

The Center of Scientology acquired the Alhambra and meticulously restored the landmark, to both preserve a site of cultural significance for Israel and provide a center for the entire community. In addition to presenting all Scientology services, it serves as a meeting place for members of all faiths to unite on humanitarian initiatives. To that end, the famed Alhambra auditorium once again stands as a centerpiece for this city.

The watershed grand opening was distinguished by the presence of Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, who personally dedicated the new Center. Addressing the Scientologists in attendance, Mr. Miscavige said: “This center is a gift from the International Association of Scientologists to Israel. As such, it represents our recognition that all religions hold central truths in common and thus may work together to achieve the common dream of universal brotherhood. So from this day hence, it becomes your mission and destiny to extend our help across this legendary land. Let it be done in the spirit of Scientology so that your help is freely given, because it is all about freedom. And let it be done with supreme dedication, because only in that way we will realize the Aims of Scientology and thus a world without insanity, without criminality, without war—a world where the able can prosper, where honest beings have rights and all are free to rise to greater heights.”

Welcoming Scientologists to their new home were civic and religious leaders from across Tel Aviv-Jaffa, including Tel Aviv City Council Member Meital Lehavi; Office of the Prime Minister Director for the Bedouin Sector Mohammad Kaabia; Office of The Prime Minister Senior Coordinator on the Status of Minority Women Rania Pharyra; Biblical scholar and author Dr. Rimon Kasher; Jaffa Arab Christian Community Chairman Peter Habash; and historical preservation architect Eyal Ziv.

In her salutatory address, Tel Aviv City Council Member Meital Lehavi welcomed the Scientology Center to Jaffa: “The story of this house of yours suits the story of Jaffa. It is a house for everyone, accepting everyone. And it is my great hope this house connects, integrates, welcomes and advances the hopes that exist in Jaffa. I am confident that by sitting together, thinking together and working together we keep Jaffa the home for everyone. Your new Center will have an important part in leading the way.”

Office of the Prime Minister Director for the Bedouin Sector Mohammad Kaabia spoke of Scientology’s many humanitarian programs: “When it comes to all we strive for—for freedom, to be included and embraced by one’s fellow man—there is no group that better bears these marks than Scientology. You teach man his rights, you prevent drugs in schools, you take care to build up the individual and you inspire kindness toward one another. I believe we must introduce these programs into all Arab and Bedouin sectors across Israel.”

Rania Pharyra, Senior Coordinator on the Status of Minority Women, Office of The Prime Minister, spoke of the need for the Center’s outreach with The Way to Happiness, a non-religious guide to living: “The Way to Happiness is a new way to understand the purpose of humanity—my purpose, your purpose. We have this tool to spread to the minds and hearts of people not politics, but something that touches the heart of children, youth, adults, all genders, all religions, all races. We can defeat racism, hatred and fear. We can bring a change. We will build the bridge to our greatest dreams.”
Biblical scholar and author Dr. Rimon Kasher spoke of the Center’s vital importance to the region: “I believe Scientology is the only religion that can create a connection or even affinity between the different faiths and the only one that can relieve the tension between religions. It is my hope that with your Ideal Org, you will accomplish your aims. In so doing you will mark a turning point for not just the entire Israeli society, but for all of the Middle East.”

Peter Habash, chairman of the Arab Christian Community of Jaffa, welcomed the volunteer work of the Center: “You have built this amazing Scientology Center to help the Arab Community and all communities of Jaffa. And we believe your Center serves the same goals as we do. When I see your active volunteers, youth and adults, their work makes me feel that you can make a difference here. I see that you are a part of us and a part of Jaffa.”
Historic preservation architect for Jaffa, Eyal Ziv, who directed the restoration of the Alhambra Theater, proclaimed: “Your respect and care for this building is astounding. You created a perfect example of preserving the past for all of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. And so I want to thank you and all associated with the Center of Scientology for bringing new life to this Jaffa jewel.”
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The 60,000-square-foot Center of Scientology Tel Aviv is open to all wishing an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology. Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour of the expansive Public Information Center, presenting informational and documentary films on the beliefs and practices of Dianetics and Scientology, as well as the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center also provides an overview of the many Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs, including a worldwide human rights initiative; an equally far-ranging drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program now comprising the world’s largest independent relief force. In full, the Center’s multimedia displays present more than 500 films, available at the touch of a button. The Center is open morning to night and visitors are welcome to return as often as they wish.
In addition to services conducted in the restored Alhambra auditorium, the new Center of Scientology further includes seminar rooms and classrooms for study, along with dozens of rooms for Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling).
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To commemorate the Alhambra’s rich heritage, the second floor mezzanine houses a permanent exhibition open to the public, so the building’s history may be treasured for generations to come.
Among the many distinctive features magnificently restored throughout the landmark are the mezzanine’s glass-faced clock overlooking Jerusalem Boulevard and the Auditorium’s intricately molded oval ceiling. The International Style and Art Deco façade has also been returned to its original splendor, from the color block windows and ornamental grilles to the prominent “Alhambra” sign that graces the iconic tower.
The Center further includes a rooftop terrace and café. Framed by an oval colonnade, it provides expansive views of the historic hub of Jaffa.
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The opening of the Center of Scientology Tel Aviv follows a series of new Scientology Ideal Organizations opened so far in 2012, including Los Gatos, California on July 28; Buffalo, New York, on June 30; Phoenix, Arizona, on June 23; Denver, Colorado, on June 16; Stevens Creek of San Jose, California, on June 9; and Orange County, California, on June 2. Further opened this year are Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 25; Sacramento, California, on January 28; and Hamburg, Germany, on January 21.

Ideal Orgs reflect the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion. They not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom, they are also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift citizens of all denominations.
Other new Ideal Orgs opened in recent years include London, Moscow, Brussels, Berlin, Madrid and Rome in Europe; Melbourne, Australia; Johannesburg, South Africa; New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, Inglewood, Pasadena and San Francisco, California; Tampa, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; Seattle, Washington; Dallas, Texas; Quebec City, Canada; and Mexico City, Mexico.
Five more Ideal Orgs are further scheduled to open in 2012.
For a complete list of new Ideal Orgs of Scientology, visit Scientology.org.
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The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Scientology organization was formed in the United States in 1952 and the religion has expanded to more than 10,000 Organizations, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.




Who is David Miscavige? - A Biography

Scientologists Cut the Ribbon on Landmark Buffalo Church

More than a thousand Buffalo Area Scientologists gathered on Saturday, June 30, to celebrate the rededication of the Church of Scientology Buffalo. 

The ceremony marked the transformation of the 41,000-square-foot Ideal Church of Scientology (Ideal Org) to better accommodate its ever-growing congregation and extend the Church’s humanitarian programs to all communities across upstate New York.

The Church’s landmark home, originally constructed in 1898, stands in the Allentown Historic District. In the process of transforming the structure, the Church fully restored and preserved its magnificent Beaux Arts features. The prominent façade stands as it did at the turn of the 20th century, its distinctive buff brick ornamented with glazed white terra cotta and limestone trim. The interior is likewise returned to its original splendor, from the terrazzo and oak plank floors to the elaborately sculpted crown moldings that grace the elevated ceilings. As a fully-realized 21st century Ideal Org, the landmark now stands ready to serve Buffalo for decades to come.

In testament to the significance of the occasion, the rededication ceremony was led by Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. In his address, Mr. Miscavige told Buffalo staff and parishioners: “Today we arrive at a higher place wherein possibilities for excellence and good fortune are endless. By the same token, however, it means all present today have quite a role to fulfill tomorrow. For as of this moment, you possess unimaginable resources for positive change and thus the wherewithal to provide assistance to all people of goodwill and to help every person in need, no matter their circumstances.”

Mr. Tim Lomas, Church of Scientology Director of Public Affairs, acknowledged the Church’s work to revitalize Buffalo communities: “Our Church realizes our Founder’s vision that all Churches of Scientology become what he termed Ideal Organizations, to not only provide the ideal facilities for Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom, but to also serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations. To that end, we share our Church and our many social betterment and community outreach programs with this city. Moreover, we look forward to collaborating with every group and individual committed to revitalizing Buffalo, in the same spirit that originally built this City of Light. Together, we can achieve our common dream of a drug-free, crime-free and flourishing future for all.”

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The Church of Scientology Buffalo now houses state-of-the-art facilities to introduce the fundamentals of Scientology to those new to the religion. Most notable among these features is the expansive Public Information Center. Buffalo residents are invited to take a self-guided tour of the exhibit’s interactive displays. At the touch of a button, visitors are presented films on the beliefs and practices of the religion, as well as the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Public Information Center also provides an overview of the many Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs, including a worldwide human rights initiative; a drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program comprising the world’s largest independent relief force. In full, the Center’s displays contain more than 500 informational and documentary films, with new ones regularly uploaded electronically from the Church’s international headquarters in Los Angeles. The Buffalo Center is open morning to night and visitors are welcome to stay as long as they like and return as often as they wish.

The Church invites members of all faiths to Sunday Services held in its Chapel. In addition to congregational gatherings, the Chapel also hosts a wide range of community events—from seminars and workshops to banquets and receptions.

The Church also now provides dedicated facilities for the entire range of Introductory Services. Among those are evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars. Additional classrooms accommodate a wide array of introductory courses imparting tools to improve any facet of life. The newly transformed Church further includes dozens of specially appointed rooms providing the ideal setting for Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling), and an expanded Church Academy with multiple study rooms for the training of Scientology counselors.

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The rededication of the Buffalo Church follows a series of new Ideal Orgs opened in 2012, including the Church of Scientology Phoenix, June 23; Church of Scientology Denver, June 16; Church of Scientology Stevens Creek of San Jose, June 9; Church of Scientology Orange County, June 2; Church of Scientology Greater Cincinnati, February 25; Church of Scientology Sacramento, January 28; and Church of Scientology Hamburg, Germany, January 21.

Ideal Orgs realize the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion. They not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom, but they are also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift citizens of all denominations.

Among the dozens of Ideal Orgs opened in recent years are those that now stand in New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; Tampa, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; Seattle, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Inglewood, California; Québec City, Mexico City, London, Melbourne, Brussels, Madrid, Rome, Berlin and Moscow. For a complete list of new Churches of Scientology, visit Scientology.org.

Seven new Ideal Orgs are further scheduled for grand opening in 2012.

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The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 10,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.


Who is David Miscavige? - A Biography