Andy Shallal: Advisory Board Provides Support
Among the key entities supporting ICAR is the Advisory Board, which for more than 20 years has provided vital financial and networking support. ICAR is truly grateful to the board, and the leadership provided by K.C. Soares and Alan Gropman, for their commitment to the field of conflict resolution. One the newest members, Andy Shallal, is making a unique gift to ICAR students. Andy is a peace activist and social restaurateur in Washington who has combined his interest in food with his commitment to creating harmony in the world. Through his two Busboys and Poets restaurants and gathering places, Andy has brought the community together in new ways to promote peace and cultural understanding. Now, driven by his belief in the need for peace in the Middle East, Andy has donated $5,000 to create a new scholarship at ICAR. The award will be given to an ICAR graduate student who has an activist background working for peace in Israel-Palestine. Andy named the award after ICAR pioneer John Burton. Says Andy, "I believe that it will take an activist trained in conflict analysis and resolution to truly make the changes necessary for peace. ICAR students embody what I believe is necessary for creating pathways to peace." The first John Burton Peace award will be given this spring.