​​​ARIEL SABAR author  &  journalist

​    winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award

To inquire about booking Ariel for special events, please email speaker [at] arielsabar [dot] com or call Ann Shavrick, The Harry Walker Agency, at 646-227-4906.

PRAISE FOR ARIEL'S SPEAKING AT SPECIAL EVENTS

"We had Ariel as a speaker for our 8th annual book author luncheon this year and set attendance and fundraising records. Ariel drew unanimous rave reviews from our guests. His engaging, natural, and very personal style — and his humor and finesse as a storyteller – kept our audience engrossed and wanting more.”

    — ORT America, Metropolitan Chicago Region, 2009

"Your presentation was great — and the 550 guests in the audience loved every minute. I have gotten nothing but raves and I want to thank you so very much for making our Book & Author Luncheon so successful!!!"
    — Hadassah / Florida Atlantic Region, 2013

"Thank you again for your terrific presentation last night. We had more than 430 people who attended. The feedback was wonderful. On the way out, one attendee said to me that most speakers can't write well, and most writers can't speak well, but that you did both well."
    — "One Book, One Community," Northern New Jersey, 2012 

"Ariel was a wonderful speaker with a great story to tell. He was well prepared, very professional and had a good personality and sense of humor. The length of his presentation was perfect. He was truly a pleasure to work with. The audience enjoyed the talk, the Q & A, and meeting Ariel at the book signing. We wish him continued success." 
    – Mizel Arts & Culture Center, Denver, Colo., 2010

"The audience of some 250 people were enthralled by what was at once a fascinating outline of the history of the Kurdish Jewish people and a highly personal and moving account of the Sabar family and the importance of treasuring family memories and the culture of a community."
    – Royal Geographical Society, London (UK), sponsored by the Kurdish cultural group Gulan, 2012

"An outstanding presentation...You combined Jewish history with contemporary issues in such a clear, vivid and warm, personal manner that both touched and inspired us all."

     – Temple Micah, Washington, DC, 2015​​

"My Fathers Paradise was the book selection for our synagogue's community read program and we could not have chosen a more beautifully written, engaging book. The content was rich with so many themes — from the history of the Kurdish Jews and the challenges of the Sephardi absorption into Israel to the power of the past and father-son relationships. Ariel wove all these themes into a powerful lecture when he spoke at the culmination of our program, proving that he is as magical a storyteller as the characters of Zakho."

     – The Conservative Synagogue of Westport, Weston & Wilton(Connecticut), 2015

​​“A wonderful morning discussion. The group was beyond thrilled, and as I think you could sense, felt that they knew you, your family – and embraced everyone’s story. You have a gift with audiences.”

“From the feedback we have received, we know that the audience was very moved by your talk and found you to be a most entertaining and enlightening speaker. In particular, you succeeded in attracting many members of our Sephardic community, who felt a particular affinity for your subject matter." 
    – Jewish Public Library, Montreal, Quebec, 2011

“Ariel charmed the audience with his wit and knowledge of a world unknown to most. His intriguing speech gave way to an interactive discussion, and the audience was enthralled.” 
    — Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, 2009

“Philadelphia's One Book, One Jewish Community selected Ariel Sabar's My Father's Paradise as its featured "one book" for 2008-2009, and we have been fortunate to host Ariel on multiple occasions. He is intelligent, passionate, and articulate. Moreover, Ariel is a pleasure to work with. He goes above and beyond.” 
    — One Book, One Jewish Community, Philadelphia, 2009

“Our committee selected My Father's Paradise for the fascinating story, the quality of the writing and the way the book’s themes sparked community conversations about Jewish identity and values. We were charmed by Ariel; a knowledgeable and eminently approachable speaker. It was clear that he also enjoyed engaging with our program participants by answering questions, signing autographs and sharing his insights” 
    — On the Same Page “Community Read” program, Center for Jewish Education, Baltimore, 2009

“Ariel Sabar was wonderful to work with. He brought his book to life for all of us with personal stories. Our audience loved the program.”
    — The Spertus Institute, Chicago, 2009