Global Issues Lecture Series to Discuss Conflict in Israel and Palestine

by Devany Severin, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Ibrahim Simaan, a liaison with Christian communities in northern Israel appointed by the Israeli government Ministry of Religious Affairs, will share a personal account of living as a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth in his lecture, "Palestinian Christians in a Land of Conflict and Promise," as a part of the Global Issues Lecture Series from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, in room 116 of the Draper Academic Building on Baylor campus.

For more than 40 years Simaan has practiced pastoral work, theological education, and humanitarian efforts in Israel and Palestine and Lebanon and is considered an astute analyst of intra-Arab politics, religious extremism and Palestinian-Israeli issues.

"Mr. Simaan can be counted on to give an objective view of events in the area, carrying as he does the respect of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities," said Dr. Mark Long, director of Middle East Studies and assistant professor in the Honors College at Baylor. "He can also give an Arab's view of the peace process and the president's recent visit to Israel and Palestine."

The lecture is free and open to the public. There will be a Q&A session at the conclusion of Simaan's presentation. The Center for International Education sponsors the lecture series.

For more information contact Dr. Lizbeth Souza-Fuertes, director of Latin American Studies at Baylor, at (254) 710-4531 or Lilly_Fuertes@baylor.edu.