LDS proselyting was a major issue in the 1980s as Israelis debated whether they should allow the center to be built. Ultra-Orthodox Jews conducted protests at the site. Jerusalem's mayor at the time, Teddy Kollek, who died last week at 95, supported BYU and the center.

Since 2000, the center remained open to tourists and concerts. Last summer, the return of students was an on-again, off-again affair.

In June, BYU leaders announced students would return for fall semester, but weeks later they reversed course after fighting broke out between Israel and Hezbollah guerillas in Lebanon. In October, the university announced students would return for this semester.

Security concerns could limit travel, one reason only 44 spots were offered — all of the students will fit on one bus.

Tuition for the term is $7,800, more than four times the regular BYU tuition for LDS students, which is $1,810.

Classes include introductory courses in Arabic, Hebrew and Near Eastern Studies. Specialized and expanded Old and New Testament courses also are required, as are classes on ancient and modern Near Eastern history.

Jenkins said the faculty includes two professors from BYU's Department of Religious Education and four local professors — two Israeli and two Palestinian.

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