The 11th annual Tree of Life Conference will open on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. In partnership with the Friends of Sabeel-North America, Jewish Voice for Peace/New Haven, and Kairos USA, this year’s conference topic is “How Can We Be Agents of Change to Secure Human Rights for Palestinians and Israelis?”

The conference begins with a performance by the “Four Corners” starting at 7 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 6:30 p.m. The group features violinist Layth Sidiq, cellist Naseem Alatrash and violinist Aleen Murad Masoud, who is also a vocalist. A reception will follow the concert, and a bazaar featuring Palestinian crafts and olive oil, along with books and publications, will precede and follow the concert.

The speaker program on Sunday, Oct. 18, begins at 2 p.m.; doors open at 1:30 p.m. The speakers, Gideon Levy and Suhail Sami Khalilieh, are globally recognized commentators on the Israel-Palestine situation. A question and answer period will follow each presentation, and at the conclusion of the program, a Middle Eastern dinner will be served.

The conference is open to the public. Admission is $10 per person on Saturday; $25 per person on Sunday. Students and attendees under age 21 will be admitted free to the Sunday program. Registration can be made online at www.tolef.org or by calling (860) 434-8686.

The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme is at the intersection of Ferry Road and Lyme Street in Old Lyme.