Booklovers’ Gourmet and local Amnesty International Group #356, of Webster, MA, are co-hosting a book signing, talk and art display featuring human rights activist and artist Thaer Abdallah.

He will be signing and discussing his book Song in the Desert: My Journey from Baghdad to Boston.

Signed copies will be for sale with proceeds to benefit Amnesty International Group #356. Donations will also be accepted.

Some of his paintings will also be on display.

For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Thaer Abdallah is a Palestinian artist and human rights activist who was born in Iraq and grew up in Baghdad in a one-bedroom apartment with his 12 brothers and sisters. Together they survived three wars and unbelievable challenges, culminating in the kidnapping and torture of Palestinian community members following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Thaer’s story of hope and resilience leads him from the streets of Baghdad to the empty desert, from loneliness to love, from the pain of imprisonment and torture to an impossible dream of new life in a foreign land. His example of courage and survival gives hope to all who suffer seemingly insurmountable challenges, and shines a light through the darkness of our times.

Founded in 1961, Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights. For more information about Amnesty International, please visit www.amnesty.org.