The Samaritans are a unique ethnic-religious group that was formed prior to the destruction of the kingdom of Israel at approximately 722 BC . Their tradition claims that the group descends from the northern Israelite tribes who were not deported by the Neo-Assyrian Empire thus making them the true religion of the ancient and pure Israelites that bears its heritage. The Samaritan religion is based on the belief that they are the "keepers" of the genuine Torah that was delivered by Moses at mount Sinai. They hold in their possession a unique version of this Torah (dated back to 13 BC) , written in a Samaritan script (largely similar to the ancient Hebrew script) and includes some plot differences from what is known as the old testament. One of its main differences that separates the versions is in regards to the “chosen place" of the holiest Temple. According to the Samaritans version, Moses established the sanctity of Mount Gerizim (located near both Nablus and biblical Shechem, Israel), making Joshua ben Nun build there a template and place of worship. They refer to their site since then by the name as "Givat Olam" (hilltop of the world). As of 2022, the Samaritans numbers are at around 840 of men, women and children. On holidays, special occasions, and times of need,they make their journey to reach the mountaintop for their god’s sacred worship.