Panel event explores academic perspective on the crisis in Syria

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley's Office of Student Life hosted a panel that provided the campus community with the opportunity to discuss and explore the global and local context of the Syrian civil war with prominent Syrian Americans on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the campus in Center Valley. About 75 students, faculty and staff attended the "Academic perspective on the crisis in Syria" event."Because we have a large population of Syrian students and a large Syrian population in the Lehigh Valley, it is important for our students to understand recent events and their implications," said Leyna Belinski, one of the event organizers and coordinator of student life at Penn State Lehigh Valley.The panel, which was moderated by Kenneth Thigpen, director of academic affairs at Penn State Lehigh Valley, featured three prominent Syrian Americans: The Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh, Nasser Sabbagh and Aziz Wehbey.Rev. Sabbagh, is a priest of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and pastor of St. George Orthodox Church in Allentown, where his large congregation shares the native region of his homeland, culture and national background. Sabbagh is chairman of the St. George Church Refugee Committee and a member of the church’s administrative committee. He also oversees the church’s annual Syrian Heritage Festival and is involved in charitable endeavors in the Lehigh Valley. Aziz Wehbey is a local businessman and president of the American Amarian Syrian Charity Society.The panel opened with a review of the history of the war in Syria. Local implications of the war and U.S. and Syrian relations were then discussed.When asked about their feelings on assisting Syrians coming to U.S., Father Anthony described it as a “beautiful burden.” He said, "It is heavy on our Syrian community in Allentown, but luckily we are managing it."All three panelists asked Americans not to stereotype people just because they are Syrian.  "What I want people to remember is that most Syrian refugees are good people. Some may not be, but it is the government's job to check on that. A majority of the refugees are peaceful people," said Sabbagh.Wehby then shared his perspective. He said, "Today things are changing so fast. It is your right to look after your safety, do background checks, etc. but we need open communication with government on this issue."When the panelists were asked to share with students what they could do to remain informed on the crisis in Syria, they all expressed similar sentiments to Father Anthony when he said, "Limited knowledge is dangerous. Don't just rely on what you see on the news. Question everything, dissect what you hear and bring your wisdom to it."For more information, contact University Relations at 610-285-5018 or email djs82@psu.edu.