Human Rights Worker Polhamus to Address Peacemaking in Palestine and Israel

Rick Polhamus, an international human rights worker and conflict transformation trainer for Christian Peacemaker Teams and On Earth Peace, will speak at the University of Findlay’s Ritz Auditorium on Monday, Nov. 7 from 7-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Polhamus’ talk will address the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. Often portrayed as an endless cycle of violence, with each side blaming the other for its own violent response, there are people on both sides, as well as internationally, who are working toward peace so that the real issues characterizing the conflict can be addressed. Polhamus will use stories and photos to illustrate the efforts of some who are working to bring peace to the region and instill hope in those who live there.
Polhamus, a member of the Church of the Brethren, has worked with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Palestine and Israel for the past 16 years. He has also worked for the organization in South Dakota, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Iraq, and has served on CPT’s steering committee as its representative to the World Council of Churches. Additionally, he works for the Church of the Brethren on a national level through On Earth Peace (OEP), where he has participated in witnessing for peace, leading conflict transformation trainings for its Ministry of Reconciliation and leading retreats and workshops as part of OEP’s Youth Peace Retreat Leadership Team.
Refreshments will be served at the event, which is sponsored by the UF Convocation Committee, Department of Religious Studies and Department of Language and Culture.
For more information, contact Cathy Donovan, administrative assistant for the Department of Language and Culture, at 419-434-4711 or at donovan@findlay.edu.

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