On March 23, 1942, Salim Moussa Achi ("Doctor Dahesh") proclaimed the birth of Daheshism.

To his followers who witnessed his miracles, he was a prophet endowed with a spiritual mission.

To the government and reigning clergy of The Lebanon, his call for unity of all faiths and religions meant trouble.

More than fifty years later in New York City, a museum bearing his name opened its doors to the public, thus preserving the legacy and creative vision of a man who, in 1944, was illegally stripped of his nationality, jailed, tortured, and doomed to certain death by being exiled from Beirut to the Syrian-Turkish border without any personal identification or proof of citizenship.

It's also believed that Doctor Dahesh's love for books was so strong, his private library contained more than a half-million volumes.

In his honor, a publishing house—also bearing his name—began the process of building a Dahesh-only-catalog containing more than 150 volumes written in many genres, which can be purchased from its bookstore.

It's amazing that the museum, the manuscripts and the books, all housed in a mansion nestled in the epicenter of the brutal Lebanese civil war, survived the exodus and in 1976 made their way safely across the waters to the shores of the United States of America.

Nowhere in the world exists an organization that teaches his message. Yet, even more amazingly, Daheshism is a living, breathing force that thrives.

For people around the world who knew Dahesh personally, this site provides the opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings with us, thus keeping the flame alive for generations to come.

If you, or someone you know, came in touch with Doctor Dahesh and wish to add your brushstroke to this painting, kindly let us know; we would love to hear from you. In the meantime, we hope you find this site inspiring, educational and entertaining!

NEW! French version!