KAAD alumni from the Middle East

Even during their fellowship period, scholars are gradually introduced to KAAD’s global alumni network. Upon completion of their fellowship, they become part of this community. This exchange serves to share experiences, establish professional and academic contacts, reflect on personal and professional futures, and prepare for the return to their home regions.

Against the backdrop of ongoing crises, widespread conflicts, and wars, numerous KAAD alumni who have returned to their home countries are taking on leadership roles in academia, the church, and society. A central goal of the funding is for them to contribute their knowledge and experience to their local communities upon their return. Together with local networks, they shape academic, church, and societal exchange in the region.


Alumni Profiles: Middle East

Syria

Rimon Wehbi

Rimon Wehbi is from Maalula, a Christian village in Syria and one of the last places in the world where Western Aramaic is still spoken—the “lingua franca” of the Middle East, in which Jesus also preached.

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Israel

Maysoon Kheir

Peace and conflict researcher Maysoon Kheir is the national coordinator of a project in Jerusalem dedicated to the most vulnerable of the vulnerable: people with disabilities.

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Gaza / Palestinian Territories

Abed Schokry

While studying biomedical engineering at the Technical University of Berlin, Prof. Dr. Abed Schokry stood out in the Catholic Student Community for his strong commitment to Christian-Islamic dialogue and his social activism.

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Lebanon

Souad Slim

Prof. Dr. Souad Slim has been a dedicated member of the Lebanese KAAD partner committee for more than twenty years. Through both her professional work and her involvement with KAAD, she helps give the younger generation in the Middle East a future and counteract the brain drain.

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Egypt

Michael Ghattas

The renowned Egyptian theologian and musicologist has always been passionate about theology and church music. He was born 65 years ago in Iskanderiyya, in Alexandria—a metropolis steeped in history and known for its philosophers and theologians.

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