David Brian Galbraith (1937- ) was the first director of the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies and Brigham Young University professor.

Galbraith was born on July 5, 1937 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada to Bruce Van and Beth Heninger Galbraith. He grew up in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Swiss-Austrian mission. Galbraith graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in political science. Later, Galbraith obtained a MA in international relations, also from Brigham Young University. In 1963 Galbraith married Frieda Kruger of Amsterdam, Holland, whom he met in Israel. Galbraith was employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In 1969, Galbraith returned to Israel where he obtained a Ph.D. in international relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Dr. Galbraith and his family lived in Jerusalem for 20 years where David Galbraith directed an American "study-abroad" program for Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. He was the director of the Jerusalem Center for 15 of the 20 years that they lived in Jerusalem and served as the first director of the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. Galbraith's responsibilities included heading the Israel-based team that developed and constructed a multi-million dollar educational center in Jerusalem in support of this program and act as liaison with various departments within the government of Israel.

In 1989, David Galbraith returned to teach at Brigham Young University as an associate professor of political science. Galbraith served as a stake president of the BYU 13th Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Later Galbraith served as a mission president to the Bulgaria Sofia mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from July 2000 to July 2003.

Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center for Near Easter Studies (1989- ) is Brigham Young University's center for study in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies serves as the hub for Brigham Young University's study abroad program in Jerusalem. Brigham Young University students study and live at the Jerusalem Center during their stay in the Holy Land. Students study a core curriculum that focuses on Old and New Testament, ancient and modern Near Eastern studies, and either the Hebrew or Arabic language.

The Center itself is located on Mount Scopus overlooking the Mount of Olives, the Kidron Valley, and the Old City. The 125,000 square-foot, eight-level structure rests on five acres of gardens. The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies contains dormitory and apartment facilities for students and faculty, cafeteria facilities, classrooms, gymnasium, computer facilities, library, various auditoriums and theaters, lecture rooms, and offices.

The Brigham Young University Center for Near Eastern Studies was dedicated by Howard W. Hunter then President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 16, 1989.