Brigham Young University has announced that the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies will resume student programs starting April 29, 2025. The Center’s student programs were suspended following the Fall 2023 Program in response to the unrest and uncertainty in the Middle East.
“Jerusalem has been quiet for several months now,” said Jim Kearl, assistant to the university president for the Jerusalem Center, “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 added that European airlines have resumed flights to Tel Aviv, and US airlines have announced the resumption of their flights to Tel Aviv starting April 1.
“There are likely to be occasional short-term flare ups and ups and downs in the security situation,” Kearl said, “as negotiations move from temporary cease-fire agreements to more permanent cessations of hostilities in Gaza and along Israel’s northern border. Nevertheless, we are confident that students who enroll in the Spring/Summer 2025 Program will have a safe and meaningful experience.”
As in the past, the Center’s academic program activities will be adjusted day by day, based on evaluations of travel risk.
More information about the Jerusalem Center and the student program can be found at https://jerusalemcenter.ce.byu.edu/
Students at BYU, BYU-Hawaii and BYU-Idaho who are interested in studying at the Jerusalem Center should carefully read the introduction to the Jerusalem Center Application. Based on the listed considerations and the eligibility requirements, students who want to be considered for admission to the Spring/Summer 2025 Program must apply before Feb. 28, 2025.
