The foundation stone for the future science and pilgrimage center on the Mount of Olives was laid on 8 January 2026. The DEI team celebrated this special milestone in the construction progress with representatives of the EKD, the architects, the project management team, the construction crew, the Lutheran World Federation and the Federal Foreign Office. The provost of the Protestant community in Jerusalem, Joachim Lenz, gave a welcoming address, thanked those responsible for the project and reminded everyone of the vision that the new building will create: a center for science, education, encounter and peace.
To commemorate this day, the DEI placed an archaeological trowel and a book on the history of the institute in the foundation stone. This is intended to symbolize that the history and archaeological craft of the DEI is linked to its future in the new building.
Following the laying of the foundation stone, there was a reception and exchange of ideas between those involved. Completion of the new science and pilgrimage center is scheduled for November 8, 2027.
