Monthly Speakers on Live Zoom

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Matthias Becer, born in 1982 in an Assyrian village and forced to flee to Germany at age four, is an educator with a diverse background in electrical engineering, education, theology, and computer science. He has been teaching since 2008, is married with five children, and is fluent in German, English, and Aramaic.

His lecture dives into the history and current situation of the Assyrian people. He highlights their significant historical contributions: living in the Middle East for millennia, founding humanity's first world empire, developing an ancient language (Aramaic, the first world language) and a writing system, and being among the first to adopt Christianity, establishing a global church by the 14th century.

Becer points out that the conditions for establishing an Assyrian state were in place after World War I, especially after they fought alongside the Allied Powers and were promised their own state by Russia, Britain, and France. However, despite these efforts and having endured the first genocide of the 20th century, there is currently no Assyrian state on the political map. The lecture explores the reasons behind this situation and the profound consequences for the Assyrian people.

Professor Udi Manor - Distinguished Historian and Educator

Professor Udi Manor is a highly regarded historian and educator, recognised for his profound expertise in Israeli history, Zionism, and the intricate socio-political dynamics of the region. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, Professor Manor brings a multi-lingual perspective to his academic and educational endeavours.

A prolific voice in public discourse, Professor Manor disseminates his knowledge and analysis across a wide array of platforms:

Authored Works: He is the author of significant books, including From the Desert to the Sea and Yigal Allon - A Neglected Political Legacy. His contributions extend to various publications, and he has a forthcoming revised edition of From the Sea to the Desert in January 2025.

Digital Engagement: Professor Manor actively engages with audiences through his extensive digital presence. This includes YouTube discussions on diverse topics such as "Operation Rising-Lion" and "Yigal Alon, history and pseudo-history," as well as numerous Hebrew podcasts delving into pivotal figures like Ben-Gurion and the complexities of contemporary Israeli history. He also produces Spanish-language podcasts and reflections on Jewish history and Zionism.

Lectures and Media Appearances: A sought-after speaker, he has delivered lectures on critical subjects such as the Altalena affair, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and discussions surrounding antisemitism and academic freedom. His media engagements include radio interviews and in-depth conversations, often collaborating with other experts to dissect historical and current events.

Professor Manor's approach is characterised by a commitment to nuanced historical analysis. He advocates for perspectives that transcend conventional political binaries, viewing his identity and work through the lens of a dedicated historian. His professional stance emphasises continuous learning, critical inquiry, and a willingness to engage with and challenge prevailing narratives, inviting open dialogue on complex historical and contemporary issues.