Michael Barlow Educator, International Focus Speaker The Middle East—A place of turmoil and tranquility—It’s a matter of perspective In our private lives, for many the Middle East is a place of spirituality: Christians, Jews and Muslims all look to the Middle East as the center of their religions. From a political point of view, the Middle East has and continues to be the focus of the major world powers. Concurrently, the Middle East is a collection of peoples striving for a daily life free of political friction and violence, and one of peace and harmony. Regardless of the world struggle de jour, whether it is Afghanistan, Lebanon or Iraq, the major focus is often linked to the Arab/Israeli conflict currently centered on issues related to struggles between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Michael Barlow takes a unique approach to discussing the Middle East and the Arab/Israeli conflict. Using a 30 by 13 foot floor Map of Israel, Michael and seminar participants take a "feet-on" approach to learning about the geography, history and politics of the Middle East. As they travel on the Land of Israel and the surrounding Arab countries, seminar participants garner a realistic perspective of the scope of the issues facing those attempting to achieve peace in the region. For information abut the map call 1-866-4-BIG-MAP

For audiences not particularly interested in the politics of the region, Michael takes seminar participants on a travel log of Israel and the Middle East with a Judeo/Christian focus. Participants walk from Be’er Sheva to Jerusalem and Bethlehem to Nazareth. They walk on the Dead Sea and travel to Masada. They move from the ski slopes at Mt. Hermon on the Israeli/Syrian border to the sun-drenched beaches of the Red Sea at the Israeli/Egyptian border. Michael Barlow is a frequent traveler to Israel, with his last visit lasting over four months. He has also traveled through Egypt and plans to visit Jordan on his next trip to the Middle East. Michael has participated in conferences focusing on the Arab/Israel peace process both here in Oklahoma and in Israel. As the president of the Oklahoma Israel Exchange (OKIE), Michael accompanied Governor Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry on the 2003 economic development mission to Israel. Michael is an active member and past president of the Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City. Since bringing the Giant Israel Floor Map to Oklahoma, Michael has presented Map tours to church, school and civic groups across Oklahoma. Michael and the Map have also traveled as a featured speaker at Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City, Utah, and to a variety of audiences in Louisiana, Tennessee, New York and New Jersey. Availability: Michael is available by appointment, mostly during the months of November through April. Contact him at okbarlow@cox.net Fees: All honorariums are donated to the Respect Diversity Foundation.