Peacemaking with Iran Seminar Scheduled for July 24 in New York
Pressenza
- A seminar titled "Peacemaking with Iran" will take place on July 24, 2025, in Manhattan to promote diplomacy and civilian-to-civilian understanding between the US and Iran.
- The event features experts with extensive experience in humanitarian missions, track II diplomacy, and academic research regarding Middle Eastern relations.
- Admission is free, with the organizers inviting those interested in nonviolent conflict resolution to attend and share resources.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, July 24, 2025
- Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Location: Friends Meetinghouse, 15 Rutherford Place, Manhattan, New York
- Facilitator: Mel Lehman, Director of Common Humanity
Featured Speakers
- Leila Zand: An Iranian academic specializing in nonviolent conflict resolution and track II diplomacy, focusing on educating younger generations on the Middle East.
- Ed Martin: A long-time humanitarian who has visited Iran 34 times, formerly serving as the Mennonite Central Committee's representative and director of Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Interfaith Engagement.
- Anthony Donovan: A peace activist and documentarian who has engaged with Iranian diplomats and officials, including meetings with President Pezeshkian in 2024.
Background and Objectives
- The seminar is co-sponsored by Common Humanity and the Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship.
- Speakers aim to counteract geopolitical tensions by highlighting Iranian culture and advocating for the feasibility of peace between the two nations.
- The panel will address previous efforts in disaster relief, interfaith dialogue, and student exchange programs, while providing a platform for other peace-oriented organizations to distribute information.