Huda Shanawani: The Drew Institute on Religion & Conflict Resolution"

Syrian-born Huda Shanawani served as a translator for Drew University's peace seminar last summer. She will describe what transpired there and what is happening in her homeland. The Arab Spring had brought hope and dreams for democratic freedom to this artist/teacher, yet the events that are currently taking place in Syria have brought back memories of the fears that she grew up with. She says, "Living in the U.S. leaves me physically distant yet mentally and emotionally connected to the Syrian people every moment they are fighting for their rights to live a free, democratic life." Born and raised in Damascus, Syria, Shanawani came to live in the United States when she was 16 with her new husband. She finished her college education while raising four children and learned everything she could from what the free culture of America offered. She has been translating for the official courts of New Jersey for the past 32 years. This led her to be the lead translator for Drew's peace seminar this past June and July in Madison, New Jersey. For more information, call 973-763-1905, email ecsec.nj@gmail.com, or visit www.essexethical.org.