BYU Jerusalem Center Relocates to Greece Amidst Ongoing Conflict in Southern Israel | Cliptv Online

93 Students and Faculty Safely Evacuated, Studies to Continue

The Brigham Young University (BYU) Jerusalem Center has initiated an evacuation of its students and faculty to Greece, where studies will continue, as announced by the center on Friday, October 13. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing attacks and military conflict in southern Israel, which began on October 7.

The center shared in a security update, “The Jerusalem Center Fall 2023 Program is currently relocating to Greece. In addition to the 93 students and faculty, faculty families and service couples will also relocate to Greece.”

Prior to the relocation, all students and staff remained secure on the center’s campus amidst the ongoing turmoil.

This announcement follows a statement from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 12, addressing the violence in the Middle East. The statement expressed their profound sadness over the violence, emphasizing that such acts of violence are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which promotes peace. The First Presidency affirmed the call for loving one’s neighbors as themselves and urged for a peaceful resolution to all conflicts.

The BYU Jerusalem Center, which is currently under the sponsorship of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was dedicated by President Howard W. Hunter, then-President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, on May 16, 1989.

Please note a correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the BYU Jerusalem Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In fact, the center was dedicated in 1989.