Notre Dame launches new program in the Holy Land

Author: Michael O. Garvey

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The University of Notre Dame will offer a new educational travel program in the Holy Land titledThree Faiths One Land: Exploring the Holy Land.The first program is scheduled for April 28 to May 6 at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem.

I am pleased to announce that Notre Dame is offering the opportunity to participate in a new program in the Holy Land that is important to the mission of the University,Notre Dames president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., said.During the program, in a very special setting, participants and faculty will engage in dialogue and pursue a deeper understanding of the multifaceted relationship, past and present, of the three Abrahamic faiths on the land from which they arose. If you seek a substantive engagement with the intellectual life of the University, I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to explore the Holy Land from the unique perspective that Notre Dame can provide.

Rev. Patrick Gaffney, C.S.C., professor of anthropology at Notre Dame, is the programs faculty director. Father Gaffney is also director of the College Seminar Program in the College of Arts and Letters and a fellow in Notre Dames Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

Designed at Notre Dame, the program offers an opportunity to examine the intricate relationships among Christian, Jewish and Islamic history, thought and belief in the Holy Land.Participants will hear lectures by expert faculty members, visit members of the regions faith communities and tour historic sites and ancient shrines.

The Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem has been administered by Notre Dame since 1972 when then-President Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., joined Pope Paul VI in establishing the institute as a gathering place for scholars and pilgrims of all faiths.Tantur stands on a hilltop between the southern edge of Jerusalem and the town of Bethlehem.

The cost of the program is $3,595 with single lodging or $3,525 with double lodging at Tantur.The fee includes eight nightslodging, all program meals, all program trips and tours, specially prepared instructional material, and more.Airfare is not included.

According to a recent Israeli government report, tourism to Israel jumped 25 percent in 2007 to its highest level in seven years, led by a record number of visitors from the United States, and Israeli officials expect a record year for tourism in 2008.

More information on the program is available from its Web site at http://Tantur2008.nd.edu..

_ Contact: Thomas S. Dowd at 574-631-1572or_ " tdowd1@nd.edu ":mailto:tdowd1@nd.edu

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