Peacemaking with Iran Seminar Scheduled for July 24 in New York

• 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.