LEWISTON — Robert Begin, a Lewiston native now living in Needham, Mass., will present at the University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn Senior College “Food for Thought” luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 8.

Those attending will hear his well-researched story of “Lawrence, the Arabs and Palestine,” with several photos and maps to support the story.

A longtime history buff, Begin tells the story of T. E. Lawrence, a young idealized English archaeology student who became intrigued with the lure and mystery of the Middle East. He ultimately helped lead the Arabs into a revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

Begin takes audiences back 100 years, as World War I was raging. The Middle East was important to England because it’s adjacent to the Suez Canal, which was the lifeline to India and Australia, two of its territories. It was also the gateway to the Mediterranean which England viewed as its “private lake.”

The natives, the Arabs and Bedouins, were ruled by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. They were looking for relief from their Ottoman masters and joined the British as allies against the Turks who sided with the Germans. A huge incentive for the Arabs to align themselves with England was the promise that any lands they liberated would be theirs once the war was over.

Lawrence became the link between the English and Arab leadership in this revolt. The Arabs had infinite trust in Lawrence and would follow him into battle at great risk. Lawrence soon learned he could not serve two masters, the Arabs and King George V.

Another event that would with ramifications was the Balfour Declaration which stated England would support a homeland for Jews in Palestine.

This is a tale of diplomacy, false promises, a quest for empire and personal tragedy. Many of the decisions made in this area 100 years ago are still haunting those in the West.

While growing up, Begin moved back and forth between Lewiston and Auburn. He recalls his days as a carrier for the Lewiston Daily Sun and the Lewiston Evening Journal with fond memories. He graduated from Edward Little High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass.

He and his wife Mary have been married 46 years and have two sons and five grandchildren. His interests include sailing, classical music, reading and watching Cohen Brothers movies

Senior College, now in its 18th year, presents the monthly luncheon program in Function Room 170.

Cost is $7 for advanced registration, or $8 at the door, and includes lunch. Reservations must be made by noon Wednesday, April 6, by calling 207-753-6510. Late callers will be charged the $8 price.