May 11-12, 2009 - Algerian Ambassador to the U.S. Abdallah Baali and author John Kiser visit Elkader

Both are looking forward to getting to know the area and its people of all ages. They will tour the community and the school and be honored guests at various events.

Monday, May 11th
• 5:00-6:30 p.m. - Welcome Reception for John Kiser & Ambassador Abdallah Baali at the Elkader Public Library
• 8:00 p.m. Public Program at the historic Elkader Opera House with author John Kiser, Ambassador Abdallah Baali and other guest speakers.

Tuesday, May 12th
• 7:30 p.m. - Awards Program at Central High School, Elkader. John Kiser will present the first annual Abdelkader Essay Prize at Central High School in Elkader along with Algerian Ambassador Baali. Students were first introduced to the Abdelkader Essay Prize in January and will soon complete their final papers.

For more information, call 563.245.1022

January 8, 2009 - Sister Cities Friendship Club Annual Meeting
Schera's Restaurant- 7 p.m.

The agenda will include a review of activities for the past year, election of Directors, and collection of dues for 2009. Membership fees are Individual-$15, Family-$25, and Business-$30. If you cannot attend the meeting, you may mail a check to John Gnagy, Treasurer, PO Box 306, Elkader, payable to Sister Cities Friendship Club. It's been a wonderful year! Next year has the potential to be even better, including a student exchange program, so come to the meeting and find out for yourself.

October 17 and 18, 2008- John W. Kiser to launch his book, Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd el-Kader in Elkader

Mr. Kiser will participate in small group discussions, provide book signing opportunities and lead a presentation/round table discussion. Mr. Kiser will also speak to high school students at Central Community School in Elkader.

Friday, October 17, 2008
• 9-10:30 a.m. - Carter House Museum
• Afternoon - Central Community High School classroom visits
• 5:00 p.m. - Elkader Public Library
 
Saturday, October 18, 2008
• 9-10:30 a.m. - Treats, Etc. downtown Elkader
• 1:30 p.m. - Elkader Opera House…Elkader Remembers Emir Abdelkader
The Elkader Story: Bringing Islam and Algeria to Iowa...John Kiser, Grinnell College professors, Elkader citizens, and other guest speakers from around the state will discuss what they have learned from their contacts with the Muslim world. A round table discussion will focus on the relevance of Abd el-Kader's life to the issues we face today in our global society concerning the Islamic faith. The emir was a philosopher and seeker of wisdom, man of peace, warrior, statesman, puritan, humanitarian, poet, scholar and was tolerant of all faiths.
• 6:00 p.m. - Dinner at Schera's Restaurant (reservations - 563-245-1992).  
 
We have gathered seasoned participants and feel that we have a quality and enriching program to offer. Everyone is welcome to join author John Kiser at each public location for discussions and book signing opportunities. For more information, please call 563-245-1022.

Muslims and non-Muslims alike are praising Commander of the Faithful:

"Commander of the Faithful is one of those dazzling biographies that informs our modern life…Abd el-Kader was a man of God who put his faith into practice and served as a bridge between European and Islamic worlds.” Susan Eisenhower, author of Mrs. Ike

“Kiser beautifully tells the dramatic story of how the moral compass provided by Abd el-Kader’s faith and learning turned him into one of the 19th centuries most admired figures…” His Royal Highness, Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan

“Abd el-Kader teaches the French and the world that to achieve success; moral authority is necessary, not simply military might…This world hero’s story holds valuable lessons for today’s Middle East warrior…” Col. Jon Smythe, USMC (ret)
 
“When in our own day Al Qaeda terrorists claim the title of “knight”, it is worth recalling a time when Arab warriors embodied the noblest qualities of knighthood: courage, compassion and restraint. Kiser brings both the man and his world brilliantly to life.” Steve Simon, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Read more below:
Commander of the Faithful - website
Commander of the Faithful - Author statement and book summary
Commander of the Faithful - Book endorsements
Read more about John W. Kiser
John W. Kiser is the author of several books including The Monks of Tibhirine.