This was the first group of students to return to the Jerusalem Center following the outbreak of the “Second Intifada” in 2000. The student program recommenced with 44 students (one bus group), rather than the former 160 students (four bus groups.) The program was increased to two busses of students the following semester, where it remains at present.
Carly wrote:
“In January 2007, 44 of us boarded a plane to Tel Aviv. It was the beginning of 4 months spent solidifying lifelong friendships with each other and with our Savior. We were the first group sent back to breathe life into the BYU Jerusalem Center after it had been closed since 2000 following the outbreak of the “Second Intifada,” also known as the “Al-Aqsa Intifada.” Our group was limited to one-quarter the size of past groups so that we could fit on one bus as we traveled around Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. What a blessing it was to get to know each other that intimately! Our time there coincided with Elder Holland and President Cecil Samuelson, along with their wives, visiting to dedicate the Galilee building. The time spent with them will never be forgotten. Though life has taken us in many different directions, all 44 of us (and the service couples who were there with us!) remain friends. Since our return, there have been annual Christmas reunions for anyone who finds themselves in Utah for the holidays. A larger reunion was held in 2017 to mark 10 years.
As we pulled away from the Jerusalem Center to board our flight home, a fellow student read this over the bus intercom:
“How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” -Psalms 137:4-6
If you attended during Winter 2007, we welcome additional material, such as a write-up about your semester, memory books, quality photos and video links for your group. Email these to stories@byujerusalemalumni.com
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