Rediscovering Emir Abd el-Kader: Teacher for the World

In cooperation with Abdelkader Education Project (AEP, Inc.),  Wesley will host a public forum on the man known as "Algeria’s George Washington" - Emir Abd el-Kader - to coincide with the 210th anniversary of his birth.

Emir Abd el-Kader was an 18th century Arab warrior, diplomat, scholar and holy man, renowned in his time for battling for his country's rights in the face of oppression from the French colonializing power.  During his exile in Syria following his ouster from Algeria by French forces, he became a world hero after rescuing thousands of Christians from politically incited mobs in 1860.  In his time, Muslims, Christians and Jews gained his respect as did world leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Queen Victoria.

AEP seeks to introduce the Abdelkader story to diverse audiences to promote cultural literacy, civility and respectful engagement between all people through education and outreach drawing on Emir Abdelkader’s life story and values that transcend culture and faith traditions. Their efforts have been joined by important representatives of religious, military, diplomatic, civic leadership and academic circles all over the world.  

Committed to education and students, AEP celebrates the 10th anniversary of its annual essay contest among high schools and colleges that helps new generations of students rediscover the man they call "a teacher for the world."

Wesley President David McAllister-Wilson will open this important event, which will feature speakers from many sectors exploring the legacy of and continuing contribution of Emir Abd el-Kader.

Wesley students are invited to attend this free event on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.in the Wesley Refectory (lunch is included). The event is free & open to the public.  Space is limited, so registration is required. Register here and view the whole program for the day.

Other co-sponsors of this day:

Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Washington, DC - www.algerianembassy.org   The embassy of Algeria is the Republic of Algeria’s diplomatic mission to the United States.  Ambassador H.E. Madjid Bouguerra.

US-Algeria Business Council (USABC), Washington DC - www.us-algeria.org.  The USABC is a membership-driven organization representing a variety of sectors that work together in coalitions to achieve positive results in trade policy between the US and Algeria.  Dr. Ismael Chikhoune, President/CEO.

To learn more about AEP, go to www.abdelkaderproject.org.