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A federal judge with experience in prominent terrorism cases will speak at the inaugu- ral event of the new Sarasota World Affairs Council, the organization has announced. Jon Newman, senior judge of the Second District Court of Appeals in New York City, will speak on The Federal Courts Confront the War on Terror at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion of New College of Florida, a news release says. A reception will follow from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at College Hall on the New College bayfront. Newman was the presiding judge in the case of Omar Abdel-Rahman, the "Blind Sheik," convicted of conspiracy in a terrorism plot, the release explains. Newman is now involved in the case of four alleged terrorists indicted in New York City. "The Sarasota World Affairs Council, or SWAC, is a member of the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging U.S. residents on global issues," the release continues. "It joins nearly 100 coun- cils across 40 states that reach more than half a million people yearly." SWAC, which is hosted by the New College Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) organization. SWAC plans two more lectures this spring by distinguished international speakers, the release adds. In addition, the council is sup- porting The Great Decisions Program, which is sponsored by the World Affairs Councils. Interested SWAC members meet weekly with an experienced facilitator for small-group discussions of readings, the release notes. This year's issues include defense technol- ogy, Israel, Turkey, the Islamic awakening, energy independence, food security and cli- mate change, China's foreign policy and U.S. trade policy, the release says. Because the Newman lecture is an inaugural event, SWAC is offering it free to the public as well as to SWAC members, the release points out. College and university students in Sarasota and Manatee counties will have free admission to all of SWAC's programs. Seating is limited; call 487-4603 or email info@saraso- tawac.org for reservations. Information about membership may be found at sarasotawac.org. SARASOTA WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL'S INAUGURAL LECTURE TO FEATURE JUDGE NEWMAN New College of Florida students enjoy the bayfront view. Photo courtesy of New College Sarasota News Leader February 7, 2014 Page 83