At BYU Jerusalem Center, from right to left, are David M. Whitchurch, Rajan Zed, Joyce Smith and Jeff Smith.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed recently received a warm welcome at Jerusalem Center of Brigham Young University (BYU) in Israel; “founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, met and had dialogue with David M. Whitchurch, Center’s Associate Director for Academics. He was shown around the building and the gardens by Jeff Smith of Humanitarian Services and Joyce Smith and he listened to the organ recital played on the occasion in Center’s Upper Auditorium by Marybeth Jones.
Students study a core curriculum of Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies of the Gospels, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Arab and Islamic Civilization, Israeli and Jewish Civilization, language studies (Hebrew and Arabic), etc., at this Center for Near Eastern Studies; besides field trips covering Holy Land, Jordan and Turkey. The 125,000-square-foot, eight-level structure is set amid five acres on Mount Scopus.
Established in 1875 and headquartered in Provo (Utah, USA), BYU “seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character”. Besides Jerusalem Center, it has branches in Rexburg (Idaho, USA) and Laie (Hawaii, USA); a Center & Business College in Salt Lake City (Utah); and a Missionary Training Center in Provo. Its mission is “to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life” and Kevin J Worthen is the President.