THE BYU JERUSALEM CENTER
FOR NEAR EASTERN STUDIES
The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies is sponsored by
Brigham Young University. The 120,000 square-foot complex is
located about a quarter mile south of the Mount Scopus Campus
of Hebrew University on approximately five acres of land
leased from the Israeli government. The center houses nearly
200 students and faculty. BYU operates the Center to provide
the students with opportunities to study the people, lands
and cultures of the Near East as well as the sacred writings
which have come from the area.
Opposition to the construction of the center by some leaders
of the Jewish Government was subsided in May 1986 when the
Jewish Knesset received a letter from the Congress of the
United States. 154 Members of U.S. Congress signed a letter
and delivered it to every member of the Israeli Knesset on
May 20, 1986 calling for an end to opposition to the
construction of the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern
Studies. On the same day, Mr. Yitzak Zamir, attorney general
of the State of Israel, issued a detailed, 50 page opinion
declaring that there had been no illegalities or
irregularities in the allocation, planning and appovals for
the BYU facility.
The letter reads as follows:
To the members of the Knesset
Dear Colleagues:
We have become increasingly concerned by reports here in the
United States concerning certain groups in Israel who have
undertaken a campaign to halt the construction and use of the
Brigham Young University Center for Near Easten Studies
currently under construction in Jerusalem. We commend Israel
for its admirable record of keeping Jerusalem open and we
hope that this record will not be blemished in any way by
this situation.
One of the main motivations for our long-standing support for
Israel has been its commitment to democracy and plurality.
Recent events in the region, and increased terrorist
activities by numerous states, stand in sharp contrast to
Israel's dedication to democratic ideals and respect for
human life. Of course, an important facet of Israel's
democracy has been its commitment to basic freedoms,
including freedom of religion. These factors, as well as
many others, have formed the basis for the long and healthy
relationship we enjoy.
While we are aware of the sensitivity which many Jews feel
regarding proselytizing, it is our understanding the
officials of Brigham Young University have signed an
undertaking in which it pledges that the Center will not be
used for missionary activites. We also understand that it
has been the long-standing policy of Brigham Young University
that none of its students or faculty engage in proselytizing
in Israel. We have been assured that this policy will
continue. Many of us know the sponsoring organization and
the reputation of its members, and they are known as a
trustworthy and moral people who live up to their promises.
We therefore believe this promise will be strictly abided by.
By allowing this center to be built and used as intended,
Israel will be reaffirming its commitment to pluralism and to
the special nature of Jerusalem. We believe that rather than
hinder U.S. Israeli ties, the BYU Center will be a further
source of understanding and cooperation between our two
countries. Those students who study there will be uniquely
able to teach the rest of us about your society, your culture
and your rich and fascinating history. We therefore request,
gentlemen, that you do all that is necessary to see that this
project is allowed to be completed and occupied without undue
impediments or delays. This letter was personally delivered
to all 120 Knesset members and Minister Yosef Shapira on May
20, 1986.