Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies
The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies is located near the Tzurim Valley at the juxtaposition of Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel. It is owned and operated by Brigham Young University. Classes are part of the Jerusalem semester-abroad program administrated by Brigham Young University. First occupied in March 1987, the center was dedicated in May 1989 by Howard W. Hunter. [1]
- The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies grew out of a Jerusalem "semester abroad" educational program for undergraduates instituted by Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1968. It became popular among Latter-day Saint students because of their commitment to the religious traditions of the Bible. In the early 1980s the construction of the Center faced resolute opposition from certain religious circles and Israeli nationalist groups who feared that the Center might become a base for Latter-day Saint proselytizing of Jews. In the spirit of accommodation and out of a desire for peaceful interfaith relations, BYU agreed with the government of Israel that the Center would be used exclusively for educational and cultural activities.
Students enroll through the BYU campus in Provo, Utah, travel to the Holy Land, and live in the Center for programs that extend for four months. Students study a core curriculum that focuses on Old and New Testament, ancient and modern Near Eastern studies, and language (Hebrew and Arabic). Classroom study is built around field trips that cover the length and breadth of the Holy Land.
- The Center itself is a beautiful building on Mount Scopus overlooking the Mount of Olives, the Kidron Valley, and the Old City. The 125,000 square-foot, eight-level structure is set amid five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The first five levels (moving up from the lowest level) provide dormitory and apartment space for up to 170 students. Dormitory rooms accommodate four people with ample study space and a private bath. Each of these rooms has a patio overlooking the Old City. The sixth level houses a cafeteria, classrooms, computer facilities, and a gymnasium. Administrative and faculty offices are located on the seventh level, as is a 250-seat auditorium. The main entry is on the eighth level, which also contains a spectacular recital and special events auditorium with organ, lecture rooms, general and reserve libraries, offices, a domed theater, and a learning resource area.
- The facilities at the Jerusalem Center are available only to full-time students formally enrolled in a BYU Jerusalem Center program. For those interested in visiting the building, a 45-60 minute tour is available. The tour includes a hosting video, a ten-minute organ recital, and a tour of the eighth floor and the Jerusalem Center gardens. [2]
Closures
Since its dedication, the BYU Jerusalem Center has experienced periods of closure when students were not living or studying at the Center. From 2000 through 2006, during a major uprising of Palestinians against Israel and its occupation known as the Second Intifada, the center remained open for visitors and concerts with staff support; however, students were not enrolled. Students returned for Winter semester 2007.
The Center closed again in October 2023 due to political conflict in southern Israel. Students finished their semester studies in Greece.[1] According to a February 13, 2025, announcement, the center will reopen for the 2025 spring/summer semester. Jim Kearl, assistant to the university president for the Jerusalem Center, wrote the following:
- “Jerusalem has been quiet for several months, and there are strong signs of improved security throughout the Holy Land as cease-fire agreements in both Gaza and Lebanon appear to be holding.”
- Kearl cited the fact that European airlines have resumed flights to Tel Aviv, and U.S. airlines will resume flights to Tel Aviv starting April 1.
- The announcement also explained that hostilities are unlikely to pose risks to students living at the Jerusalem Center or while visiting important field study sites. As in the past, the center’s academic program activities will be adjusted day by day, based on evaluations of travel risk.
- “There are likely to be occasional short-term flare-ups and ups and downs in the security situation as negotiations move from temporary cease-fire agreements to more permanent cessations of hostilities in Gaza and along Israel’s northern border,” Kearl said. “Nevertheless, we are confident that students who enroll in the spring/summer 2025 program will have a safe and meaningful experience.”[2]
The website also pointed out that the BYU Jerusalem Center does not take sides in the conflicts in the Holy Land.
