The Near East School of Theology Beirut and the Study Programme SiMO (Studies in the Middle East) are pleased to invite you to a public lecture and reception on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of SiMO on 6 June 2025 in Erfurt.

In 2025, the SiMO Study Programme will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Trust, knowledge and friendship have grown over the years between the programme managers in Germany and Lebanon. But since 7 October 2023, war, terror and destruction have shaken the entire region. Grief, anger and polarisation have since caused many conversations to escalate or fall silent. For security reasons, the regular SiMO programme had to be suspended.

The series of public events is an attempt to continue the intercultural discourse on the basis of mutual trust and friendship. At the same time, we would like to introduce Dr Martin Accad to all our friends in Germany. Dr Accad took office as President of NEST in September 2024. He has worked intensively both academically and practically to promote Christian-Muslim dialogue in Lebanon.

On the occasion of his inaugural visit to Germany, we would like to share his experiences with you in three public lectures.

Please register at simo@dont-want-spam.ems-online.org! The registration deadline is 10 May.

Please note that participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation.

Further lectures by Dr Martin Accad on the same topic are planned in Frankfurt and Bochum on the following dates:

Monday, 2 June at 7:30 pm, Römerberg 9, 60311 Frankfurt am Main

Tuesday, 3 June at 16:00, Protestant Theological Faculty (Ruhr University Bochum), Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum