Former Israeli Prime Minister Olmert to Visit UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 28, 2009) -- Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will deliver a public lecture at the University of Kentucky at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Singletary Center for the Arts. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Mr. Olmert’s lecture is the first of two the university will sponsor this academic year as part of a continuing campus and community dialogue on the Middle East. In March 2010, the university will host the visit of a prominent Palestinian public figure to be announced at a later date. Both speakers will offer their views on the prospects and preconditions for peace in the Middle East. The goal is to inform the university and Kentucky communities and to facilitate thoughtful dialogue.

This discussion will be sustained in the long-term by the establishment of the Peace House Living-Learning Community in cooperation with the Office of Residence Life at the University of Kentucky.  Peace House is conceived as a student residential community dedicated to the cause of peace, both locally and internationally.

“The University of Kentucky intends to establish Peace House as a site of civil discourse, creative and respectful thought and action, and hope," said Provost Kumble R. Subbaswamy.

Mr. Olmert’s lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. to be followed by a question and answer session. While the lecture is free and open to the public, tickets must be reserved in advance of the event. Individuals can reserve up to four tickets in advance in person only at the Singletary Center Ticket Office. Schools and community groups may contact Richard Greissman, at (859) 257-2471 or richard.greissman@uky.edu, for more information about group seating.