After Dinner Speakers: Hanan Ashrawi, John Banham, Vivienne Westwood

As a woman, a Christian and an articulate and eloquent speaker Dr. Ashrawi's appearance shattered a number of Western stereotypes about Palestinians. Educated in the West, with a doctorate in medieval literature from the University of Virginia, Dr. Ashrawi understood how to cross cultural boundaries and make Palestinian issues clear and identifiable to people outside the Middle East Born just 2 years before Israel became a country she studied extensively in the West. On her return to Israel she was offered a prestigious position as chair of the Department of English at Bir Zeit University and later became Dean of Faculty of Arts. She became actively involved in the Palestinian cause. She participated in speeches, performances and demonstrations. In 1991, Yasser Arafat appointed her as Official Spokesperson of the Palestinian Delegation to the Middle East Peace Process. A Uniquely qualified ambassador and commentator on Middle East affairs.