Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2021) Dr. Norman “Noam” Stillman, chairman of the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA), announced today that the organization is formalizing its collaboration with Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME).

“After many years of working together to advance our shared mission of restoring balance to the Academy and protecting academic freedom, this new organizational structure will allow both organizations to strengthen their collective impact,” said Dr. Stillman. “We look forward to even greater achievements in our efforts to combat the increasing politicization of scholarship in Middle East and African studies, and related disciplines.”

SPME’s incoming president Professor Philip Carl Salzman said, “we are thrilled to join forces in our efforts to combat the increasingly politicized scholarship in Middle East Studies programs and related academic areas of study.”

As a program of SPME, ASMEA will maintain its identity and continue to provide its members with the necessary tools and services needed to advance the study of the regions, said Dr. Stillman.

“We are deeply grateful to the vision and commitment of Mr. David Silverstein who served as the executive director of ASMEA since its inception. His leadership over the past thirteen years was critical for the emergence of the Association as the arbiter of objective truth and vigorous debate on the important issues affecting Middle East and African studies. As he embarks on a new chapter in his professional career, we wish Mr. Silverstein much continued success.”

Dr. Asaf Romirowsky will serve as the executive director for both organizations, Dr. Stillman said.

Since 2007, ASMEA has grown to include members from 34 different countries on 136 campuses around the globe. Its Journal of the Middle East and Africa is in its twelfth year as a well-regarded, multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed quarterly publication. In conjunction with its annual conference, ASMEA also supports the work of scholars and students with research and travel grants. SPME has a global network of over 45,000 members.

“Our goal is that the new partnership will allow both organizations to grow and expand their reach,” said Dr. Stillman. “Nothing short of the preservation of the Western ideal of pro-America and pro-Israel values is at stake.”