BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies

Jerusalem Center Program Update

The war in Gaza ended in October 2025 with the implementation of the first phase of a US-backed ceasefire. This development brought an end to rocket fire by proxy groups, resulting in an immediate reduction in disruptions to daily activities, including travel by students to important sites in Jerusalem and within the Holy Land.

Tourism has experienced a gradual recovery following the ceasefire, with hotel operations and flight services resuming and an increase in booking activity. Jerusalem, in particular, has recorded a notable rise in the number of visitors. The city is quiet and peaceful. 

Security measures at the Jerusalem Center are consistent with those that have been in place for many years. While regional tensions are substantially reduced, given the regional context and potential for conflict, regular security risk assessments are an important element of the Center's day-to-day management.

Academic Program Overview

Students at the Jerusalem Center do not only study religion but also enroll in a full 16-credit curriculum, which includes:

• Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Studies in Modern Islam/Palestine
• Studies in Modern Judaism/Israel
• Arabic or Hebrew Language
• Old Testament
• New Testament

This is a rigorous and immersive Near Eastern Studies program. If you are interested in studying hard in a fascinating and highly spiritual and academic setting--in class and on the field--we invite you to apply.

Students from BYU, BYU–Hawaii, and BYU–Idaho who are interested in applying to the Jerusalem Center should carefully review the program introduction and eligibility requirements on the How to Apply page.

Due to the current conflict, we are delaying applications for the Fall 2026 program. We will start taking applications on June 1, 2026. For priority consideration, please submit your application by June 15, but we will continue to receive applications until June 26 and will consider them on a space-available basis.

Spend a Semester in the Holy Land!

The purpose of the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies is to give BYU students the opportunity to grow academically, culturally, socially, and especially spiritually, in a setting touched by the lives of apostles, prophets, and the Lord Jesus Christ.