Beirut, Lebanon — The Department of History and Archaeology and the History and Archaeology Student Society at the American University of Beirut will host a public discussion of Nada Abdel Samad’s book, When the Jewish Balconies of Wadi Abu Jamil Went Dark.
The book revisits the history of Beirut’s Wadi Abu Jamil neighborhood and sheds light on the Jewish community that once formed an integral part of the city’s social and cultural fabric. Through the stories of its residents and the transformations of the neighborhood, the book opens a window onto an important, yet often overlooked, chapter of Lebanon’s social history and collective memory.
The event will offer an opportunity to engage with the author and explore the questions raised by the book concerning memory, identity, belonging, coexistence, and the changing face of Beirut. The talk will be moderated by Diana Moukallad.
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Auditorium A, West Hall
Location: American University of Beirut
The event is open to the public.
