Michael A. Hansen—in Memoriam Photos

Michael and Ann Hansen in their Haifa apartment. We had Michael’s version of stir-fry that day: chicken, red peppers, and mushrooms with teriyaki sauce. I learned a lot about local cooking from Michael.

Michael Hansen drawing of the Sea of Galilee with the Galilee Boat. Michael taught with his drawings, filling them with historical facts about the Church of Jesus Christ and its growth in the Galilee.

Michael and my good friend Erich Wilson. We visited the Crusader Fortress of Ateret on the Jordan River not long after I arrived in Israel in 2021. I credit Erich with saving my life during a medical emergency when he kept me alive using CPR until the ambulance arrived. He also gave me a priesthood blessing in the hospital. Even though I don’t remember anything from that day, I am grateful for the miracles that saved me.

Michael Hansen. This photo was taken the same day as the one above

This page is a typical entry from Michael’s journal with sketches and notes about what interested him that day. It focuses on scriptural passages about watchmen and watchtowers and how those themes have carried over into modern history, especially of Israel.

This page focuses on the Galilee branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to a few historical notes, Michael was wanting to emphasize the location of the branch house in relation to important New Testament events from the life of the Savior (e.g., Magdala, Tabgha, Capernaum, the Galilee Boat, Nazareth, Mt. Tabor, and so on).

This page is about the first-century AD Jewish historian Josephus, who is quoted many times in this book. Michael’s entry tells the story of Josephus, his defense of Jotapata (Yodfat), and his involvement in the Jewish revolt against Roman occupation. Michael was a determined and dedicated writer on all things Israel.