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• ⋮Actions for “JERUSALEM, Israel — Hours after the United States Armed Forces”

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  JERUSALEM, Israel — Hours after the United States Armed Forces ordered a strike on Syria, President Russell M. Nelson cut short his stay in Jerusalem, leaving the central location of his global ministry tour following conference sessions at the BYU Jerusalem Center. At a time of rising tensions, the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is more important than ever, he said Saturday morning from the Holy City. Follow the Deseret News as we chronicle President Russell M. Nelson's travels through seven countries around the world. ... President Nelson and Elder Holland offered messages of hope from the grounds of the BYU Jerusalem Center. Elder Holland said President Nelson "decisively and instantly" determined that his first major gesture beyond LDS Church headquarters would be a visit to Jerusalem. "He wanted to walk where the Savior walked and stand where prophets have stood and feel what we all feel here," said Elder Holland. "The rich powerful influence of this land is palpable. I think he wanted that personally, as well as for the church. "President Nelson said he had symbolic reasons for planning the global trip as he did. "We wanted to start in Jerusalem to fortify ourselves with the message of the Lord Jesus Christ right from its very inception, here where he was born, where he lived, where he ministered and where he was crucified," President Nelson said. "His message is for all of God’s children." His original itinerary had included visiting the Western Wall, the Garden Tomb and the Sea of Galilee. More than 300 BYU Jerusalem Center students and members of the Jerusalem District attended meetings in the center — instead of the Sea of Galilee. President Nelson and Elder Holland addressed a priesthood session, while Sister Nelson and Sister Holland spoke during a women's meeting. "Today will be building blocks on your faith," Elder Holland promised the congregation gathered for the general session. "We are not on the Sea of Galilee, you can picture yourself there if you want." ... But, he added, the location does not diminish the event. "I suspect none of us in this room can understand the significance of this day .... But we will," said Elder Holland.

  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

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  • Jerusalem

  21 Oct 2026