BYU Jerusalem Center, aka "Mormon University"

Obviously there isn't much LDS presence in Israel: no missionaries, no published church services, etc.  But apparently the BYU Jerusalem Center is pretty well known in the area.  As we drove by it on the way to our hotel, one of our taxi drivers pointed out, "There's the Mormon University."

Our first morning in Jerusalem we decided to walk over to Mount Scopus and take a tour of the center.  It was a 20 minute walk, that turned into about 40 minutes when we couldn't find a road to take us to the entrance.  We ended up walking through this park (uphill) in the 80 degree heat for a while before eventually finding the main doors.  By the time we sat down inside, we were pretty disgusting.

Even though the building was constructed in the late 80's, it's amazing how modern it seems.  The outside is limestone, and there is a lot of wood used in the interior, mixed in with windows that let in the light (plus, provide a great view!)  The architecture of the building also really blends with whats seen in the rest of Jerusalem.

There is a couple that serves in the center for a period of 18 months, and do humanitarian work as well as coordinate all weekly tours.  (It surprised me when they told us there are a lot of Israeli tour groups that come through, and that it's too common to have LDS people visit.)  As he described to us what they did as "church volunteers" I told him it sounds an awful lot like a mission, minus the mission call and name tags.  He smiled at us, and didn't disagree.

We had our own private tour, and got to listen to a short organ concert, see some of the upper two floors (of 8) and enjoy the terraced balcony outside with beautiful views of the city.  Outside they have an example of an olive press, along with models of Jerusalem showing several periods throughout history.  (Time of King Solomon, New Testament period, and post-Roman invasion in 70 AD).  It gave us a good background before we went to see the city.  It's amazing how much the "Jerusalem Wall" has actually changed over the centuries.  What used to be "David's City"--the main part of Jerusalem-- is now not even part of the walled city.  One thing that's stayed fairly consistent, however, is the temple mount--in its various states.

Dome of the Rock just to the side of my head.

No wonder they call it the Mormon University!  All the signs mark it as such.   It's also interesting how every sign in the city (including street signs) give information in three languages: English, Hebrew, and Arabic.