Jenny Freestone: Studying Amid War in Israel

When PHC alumna Jenny Freestone (History, '24) headed off to graduate school in Israel, she expected to spend her days studying biblical history, archaeology, and Hebrew. She did not expect missile sirens, bomb shelters, or field studies interrupted by war. Yet those experiences have become part of her education at Jerusalem University College, where studying the Bible means standing in the places where its history unfolded.

Choosing the journey

Although Jenny considered several graduate programs, none offered quite what she was looking for. She continued researching biblical studies and the ancient world until she finally committed to studying in Israel, something she had considered for years.

“I’d been thinking about doing that for about six years, even before I came to PHC,” she said. “I knew it was what I wanted to do. I was just afraid to do it.”

Why Israel?

Jenny’s interest in Israel began long before graduate school. Her parents had lived in Israel after they were married and filled their home with pieces of the country’s history.

During high school, Jenny became more interested in studying the Old Testament. “I felt like I never really heard that much teaching about it, let alone on what it would have meant to the people who received all these prophecies and had the texts,” Jenny said. 

Taking theology classes at PHC deepened her interest in the Old Testament so that she wanted to learn more after graduation. 

At Jerusalem University College, Jenny has been able to study those historical and cultural contexts firsthand. Her classes include subjects such as biblical geography, archaeology, ancient history, and the Second Temple period.

"Other people say that studying there is really hard because they didn't study history or liberal arts in college. This has made me so grateful to have studied at PHC, because there has been no serious academic adjustment rigor-wise," she said.

The classroom often extended into the field. During one course, Jenny traveled throughout Israel and Jordan to study the geography behind biblical events. In another, she spent ten days in Egypt examining sites she had studied all semester.

One memorable experience came during a week living with Bedouin families in the Jordanian desert. Without electricity or running water, students experienced a lifestyle that closely resembled the pastoral way of life described throughout Scripture. They watched a goat being slaughtered and then ate it with their bare hands.

“It was really helpful to see all the things we’re studying in practice because the stories make more sense when you can picture it,” Jenny said.

Studying in wartime

Jenny arrived in Israel while the war in Gaza was ongoing. At first, the situation did not seem serious. The war was a distant thing; the closest she got was when she visited the Mediterranean coast and could literally see into Gaza and hear distant explosions and machine gun fire while enjoying the beach with those around her. However, her distance from the war changed when the conflict with Iran escalated.

While hiking among the Herodian Desert Palace during a field study, Jenny and her classmates watched the conflict suddenly unfold above them. Missiles streaked overhead, lighting the sky up with explosions. The class hurried back toward Jerusalem, avoiding the raining shrapnel. They stopped to take shelter at a security checkpoint before continuing into Jerusalem, all safe though more than a little terrified.

Jenny was surprised by how quickly she adjusted to the routine attacks during the day and night. Classes continued, and students returned to their studies with the regular disruptions of needing to retreat to bomb shelters. When students were given the option to leave Israel, Jenny and her classmates chose to stay.

“We all felt a lot of peace from God that if something happens, it happens, but if not, we’re just gonna keep doing what we’re here to do,” she said.

Jenny is now back in the U.S. before returning to complete her degree in Israel. For the future, she is interested in studying foreign affairs and international relations, potentially pursuing work with the State Department or intelligence community. Whatever path she chooses, Jenny hopes to combine her interests in history, theology, and international affairs.

Patrick Henry College exists to glorify God by challenging the status quo in higher education, lifting high both faith and reason within a rigorous academic environment; thereby preserving for posterity the ideals behind the "noble experiment in ordered liberty" that is the foundation of America.