Editing Openai/68cb1119-3ba8-800a-9fe6-77c5599d54ad (section)

=== Assistant: That’s a very reasonable and important question — and the answer lies in a mix of political sensitivity, religious tens… ===
That’s a very reasonable and important question — and the answer lies in a mix of political sensitivity, religious tension, and historical precedent. Here’s a clear breakdown of why Israel restricts its own citizens from enrolling at the BYU Jerusalem Center, even though the courses are academic and not overtly religious.

==== - Core issue: Israel has strict laws prohibiting proselytism to minors and heavily discouraging missionary work, especially targeting Jews. ====
* Background fear: In the 1980s, when BYU began construction of the Jerusalem Center, there was an enormous political backlash in Israel — especially from Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities — who feared it was a front for Mormon missionary work. - Demonstrations, political pressure, and court challenges ensued. - Prominent rabbis and parties feared the Church would exploit academic programs to convert Jews under the guise of education.
* As a result, the Church made a binding legal agreement with the Israeli government: - It would not proselytize. - It would not enroll Israeli citizens (Jewish or Arab). - It would focus only on foreign academic students.

This agreement allowed the Center to exist and continue operating. It’s seen as a compromise: academic freedom for the Church in exchange for non-engagement with Israeli nationals.

==== - The ban is not just about protecting Jews from religious conversion. ====
* It’s also about protecting the Israeli government from being seen as enabling a foreign religious institution that could create interfaith friction, even unintentionally.
* Including Arab Christians (e.g., Palestinian Israelis or East Jerusalemites) might trigger claims of discrimination or favoritism, or accusations of using a loophole to gain local influence.

==== Even though BYU Jerusalem Center classes are: ====
* Focused on biblical history, Hebrew, Arabic, culture, etc.
* Taught in an academic context, not a church setting
* Attended mostly by students already Latter-day Saints

... the public perception in Israel remains sensitive. Allowing Israeli citizens to enroll could be:
* Seen by ultra-Orthodox groups as legitimizing a Christian proselytizing institution
* Politically destabilizing for the governing coalition
* Provocative to religious parties that hold substantial sway in Israeli politics

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==== - The Church has honored the agreement fully for decades. ====
* BYU Jerusalem Center does not allow any public religious meetings or missionary efforts.
* Church leaders have emphasized this as a way to build trust with the Jewish state and foster mutual respect.

If you'd like, I can dig up the original 1980s protests, legal documents, or internal Church commentary on why they agreed to the terms. It's a fascinating case study in religion, politics, and diplomacy. Want to dive into that?