As an integral part of the University of Notre Dame’s global network, Notre Dame Jerusalem aspires to be an entrepreneurial, diverse, and influential academic center that leaves a positive and lasting impact on the region. Through a menu of educational, research, and outreach initiatives, our center offers opportunities for students and faculty to advance their scholarship and the University’s reputation in the region. The academic center is situated at the University of Notre Dame’s campus in Jerusalem (“Tantur”), a crossroads of religions and civilizations. It uniquely integrates academic inquiry, spiritual reflection, and cultural engagement. Our team is humbled to be the stewards of this unique campus, which we share with the Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies.
Jerusalem, in particular, and the region in general, offers Notre Dame students and faculty an unparalleled opportunity to engage with complex theological, social, and political issues. These experiences enrich academic pursuits with deep, contextual understanding designed to broaden perspectives and encourage thoughtful examination of global and local issues. This engagement is primed to have a significant impact, fostering scholarship and initiatives that promote peace, understanding, and cooperation among diverse groups. Looking to the future, which has never been as challenging yet crucial, Jerusalem continues to offer immense potential for scholarship and community engagement that leaves a lasting impact. Notre Dame’s presence here is a testament to the University’s dedication to being a force for good in the world, bridging divides through education, dialogue, and a deep commitment to understanding the complex tapestry of human experience that Jerusalem represents.
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Notre Dame Jerusalem is part of the University of Notre Dame’s global network. Notre Dame Global oversees locations centered in Beijing, Dublin, Hong Kong, Jerusalem, Kylemore, London, Mexico, Mumbai, Nairobi, Rome, Santiago, and São Paulo. These global locations create unique opportunities for Notre Dame to engage with the world and for the world to engage with Notre Dame through scholarly collaboration, undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as cooperative programs with governments, foundations, corporations, alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
- 1965 Pope Paul VI summons Fr. Hesburgh to Rome and charges him with founding an ecumenical institute for advanced theological studies
- 1967 The Six Day War breaks out in June and the extension of the city boundaries of Jerusalem by Israel incorporates the Tantur Ecumenical Institute into this new jurisdiction
- 1971 The library begins to take shape, eventually becoming one of the finest resources for theological studies in the region
- 1972 Inauguration of the Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies (“Tantur”)
- 1985 New programs are introduced, including an undergraduate semester for ND students, a peace academy, and a renewal program for missionaries and pastors
- 1988 A number of continuing education programs are developed on topics such as Biblical archeology, Holy Land geography, Church history, and peace-making
- 2014 The Jerusalem Global Gateway is established at the Tantur Campus
- 2017 Jerusalem Global Gateway exceeds over 100 students in undergraduate programs and establishes research partnerships with area universities
- 2019 Notre Dame International team in Jerusalem assumes ownership of the stewardship of the Tantur campus, serving all residents and programs on site
- 2020 Jerusalem Global Gateway starts offering a set of educational programs in languages, computer coding, and ethical leadership, attracting a wider range of partners from the region
- 2023 Jerusalem Global Gateway initiates a forum sponsored by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to study the political realities in the Holy Land from a Christian prism
- 2024 Notre Dame International (NDI) rebrands to Notre Dame Global. Jerusalem Global Gateway rebrands to Notre Dame Jerusalem
- 2025 Notre Dame Jerusalem continued its partnership with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, advancing its work on the role of language in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.