Northwerstern University, hosted a large international
conference, “Between Baghdad and Haifa,” this week on October 7
th-9
th,
and brought some of the best culture of the Middle East to the Midwest. Morty
Schapiro, president of Northwestern University, opened the Conference by
welcoming, Sami Michael, renowned Emet Award-winning novelist of Jewish-Iraqi
origin. Mr. Michael, had a conversation with Benny ZIfffer, the Literary
Editor of
Ha’aretz, about his writing. Following Mr. Michael and Mr.
Ziffer’s talk, Yair Dallal, internationally recognized oud and violin artisit,
gave a recital of Jewish-Iraqi music. The Conference was organized by Professor
Elie Rekhess, and included three full days of lectures and performances by top
Middle East experts.