Talk by the History Man

Dr Amatzia Baram, Professor Emeritus of the Dept of History of the Middle East and Director of the Center for Iraq Studies at the University of Haifa, recently spoke at the monthly ESRA Haifa meeting held in Beit Hecht. The hall was filled to capacity with nearly 60 people eager to once again hear this distinguished speaker.

Amatzia related the history of the old stone building now called Beit Hecht which was built in 1893 and hosted many very important historical dignitaries from Middle Eastern countries. He also told us about the present and past situation in Israel and surrounding countries. It was a very well prepared lecture full of facts and humor, and it ended on an optimistic note.

Difficult questions followed which Amatzia answered very diplomatically but resulted in a more pessimistic view for the future.

The evening ended with a vote of thanks and a request to Amatzia to come to Haifa again and to treat us to his vast knowledge of the history of this area.