The Mayor of Bethlehem, Dr. Victor Batarseh, is coming to Missouri Southern for a public forum in Webster Hall auditorium at 4 p.m., Thursday.

Dr. Conrad Gubera, professor of sociology, and Caleb Gallemore, senior international studies major will host the forum. Afterward, those in the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Batarseh and his wife, Marcelle, are coming to Joplin Oct. 20-21 to sign a “sister city” agreement between Bethlehem and Joplin. The couple will also visit Orlando, and Burlington, Vt., where Bethlehem has similar agreements with the cities.

Batarseh’s trip to Joplin has been arranged by Roger Gladden,Joplin, who is president and founder of Christians for World Peace.Batarseh was elected mayor on May 20. He said his top priority is to rebuild Bethlehem’s tourist industry.

Batarseh once ran the otorhinolaryngology department of St. John’s Hospital in east Bethlehem as an ear, nose and throat specialist, but for years has been barred by Israel from entering Jerusalem.

Batarseh will also be taping a Newsmakers television interview with Judy Stiles, general manager of KGCS-TV, at 3 p.m. on Thursday. He is also slated to attend the Mexico Semester concert by El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco at 7 p.m. in Taylor Auditorium and receive special recognition during the performance.