In Celebration of its 85th Anniversary The Stanley Presents

The Almond Tree Project

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Stanley, Utica NY

Native Utican, Michelle Cohen Corasanti, who lived in Israel for seven years and has an undergraduate degree from Hebrew University, and graduate degree from Harvard in Middle Eastern Studies has written a novel called The Almond Tree, which has become an international bestseller. Even though this is her first book, she’s already distinguished herself enough to have upcoming speaking engagements at the  Florida International Book Club, The Women’s Alliance and most prestigiously of all, the UN Commission for the Gulf Coast to name but a few.

This has been put together to celebrate the positive effects that The Almond Tree book is having around the world. In the book, its author, Michelle Cohen Corasanti, discovers what to her had been an unknown world, and through it, projects a perspective conveying hope. In her narrative, Michelle gives voice to the Palestinian people without apportioning blame, or promoting hatred.

In highlighting their struggle, she hopes to promote a dialogue which will bring about peace in the region. Despite being a Jewish American woman, she does a brilliant job of writing from the point of view of a Muslim Palestinian male. This was, as one can easily imagine, a struggle for her, and her success in doing so is a testament to her writing skills. If we all had her capacity for empathy, would there be any more wars?

The book, which is based  on her real-life observations, proposes that we examine this wonderful part of the world by putting ourselves in the shoes of its denizens.

Guillermo Fesser; one of the bright lights of  Spanish TV and Radio, has interviewed everyone from Jack Nicholson to the King of Jordan; is responsible for putting together The Almond Tree Project, which is so-named in honour of the book , will be interviewing Michelle at the event.  Also involved in The Almond Tree project is David Broza who is one of the greatest Israeli singers, songwriters and musicians of all time. He will be singing the Almond Tree song that was inspired by Michelle’s book along with other songs.

The night will also include Israeli peace activist Miko Peled. His grandfather signed the Israeli declaration of independence, his father was a general in the Israeli army during the ’48 and ’67 conflicts, and his beloved niece was killed by 2 suicide bombers as she shopped for school supplies.  He is the author of The General’s Son and would also like to show a better way.  To round the evening of, we will have Palestinian superstar singer, songwriter and musician Mira Awad.

6:00 PM: Special lecture by Peace Activist and author of The General’s Son, Miko Peled- Tickets: $10

7:30 PM: The Almond Tree Project: Tickets: $10, $20, and $40, Students: $8;  Group Pricing Available

For Tickets:

The Stanley Box Office 259 Genesee Street, Utica

315-724-4000

www.thestanley.org

All Proceeds to Benefit The Stanley

For more information, please visit www.thealmondtreeproject.com