Two months after their safe return, BYU Jerusalem students met Friday to reminisce about their semester and reflect upon their experience.
Students agree their semester in Israel has increased their compassion for both sides of the conflict.
'I feel like I have a much more balanced view,' explained Bradley Ross, a computer science major from Page, Ariz. 'I would be much more apt to say they are both in need of making a lot more concessions.'
Concession has become a bloody bill to pay. The conflict that sent 174 students home almost a month early from their semester abroad has claimed the lives of at least 393 people, the majority of deaths being Palestinian.
'Am I sad that we had to come home early? I am just glad I got to go,' said Ashley Shepherd of Littleton, Colo. 'it's such an amazing city and you get attached to it.' Attachment to claims of land is at the root of the Palestinian-Israeli issue. For the past eight years President Clinton has played an active role in peace negotiations. Many fear that under the new White House administration, Middle East peace talks may not be a priority.
Deadlines loom at home and abroad. January 20 has become an important date for negotiators because of speculation that the Bush administration may not be as passionate in facilitating peace abroad. February 6 will be a decisive day as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak faces re-election against Likud Chairman Ariel Sharon. Current poles put Sharon ahead in the race for Prime Minister.
Talks are at a standstill for now. Israeli settler Roni Tsalah was found dead in his onion field outside the settlement of Kfar Yam, and a Palestinian was killed and nine others wounded Monday in clashes outside of Nablus. But at least one BYU student said the instability in the Middle East should not deter prospective visitors.
'I would honestly recommend it to anyone who has ever considered going to the Jerusalem Center,' said Christine Jackson of Scarsdale, N. Y.
Last semester students were able to complete the program and 'never really felt threatened,' said Wendy Christensen from St. George, Utah. 'If anything was going on that was scary outside, we had to stay in the center.'
Students said the experience was at times trying with full academic loads, a busy travel schedule and a yo-yo of emotions as faculty and staff prepared for whatever was to come.
Jason Arbuckle of the University of Utah would 'recommend it for most people.'
'It can be pretty intense and scary, but at the same time I would recommend it for most people,' he said.