Developments in Egypt to be discussed at our library

In February 2011, the world watched in amazement as mass protests in Egypt brought an end to President Hosni Mubarak’s thirty years of authoritarian rule, and uprisings in Tunisia led to the deposition of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Protesters across the Middle East have taken to the streets to demand regime change, enhanced freedoms, and constitutional reforms in places like Algeria, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and Iran.

On Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. David Holdridge, President and Founder of Bridging the Divide (BTD), will discuss his recent trip to Egypt, ongoing developments in the region, and the importance of supporting peace and justice organizations in the Middle East at the Peters Township Public Library. Register to attend online or call 724.941.9430. The McMurray Veterans of Foreign Wars POST 764 is providing support for this program, which is part of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh 2010-2011 program series.

David Holdridge is an expert in foreign assistance implementation with 30 years of experience providing executive leadership in non-governmental, humanitarian organizations in various countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and the United States. From 2005 to 2009, he was Regional Director for Mercy Corps' Middle East programs, responsible for Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. Previously, he served in Iraq as Mercy Corps' Chief of Party for the Community Action Program. Prior to his term with Mercy Corps, Mr. Holdridge held a series of leadership positions with Catholic Relief Services and the Vietnam Veterans for America Foundation.

Bridging the Divide is an innovative non-profit, working to make the globe a safer, more just place. BTD features a model that directly connects the American Public to local grassroots organizations overseas working to bring peace and justice to their communities. Through social media and networking technologies, they facilitate dialogue, collaborate on advocacy efforts, and help the exchange of financial resources between Americans and on-the-ground organizations overseas. Using this unique approach, Bridging the Divide makes meaningful and sustainable advances in global security and justice.