A husband and wife who were among six U.S. diplomats to escape during the 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis will re-tell their story at a free public dialogue at Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm in the Westminster Savings Lecture Theatre (2600).

Mark and Cora Lijek were among the six Americans who escaped following a militant invasion at the U.S. embassy and took refuge with staff of the Canadian Embassy in Tehran, headed by Ken Taylork Canadian ambassador to Iran.

They fled the country with CIA assistance in what became known as the “Canadian Caper.”

Fifty-two American hostages were held for 444 days before being released into U.S. custody. The six diplomats' dramatic escape formed the storyline for the 2012 thriller Argo, winner of a 2013 Academy Award for best picture.

Mark Lijek is author of a recent book on their experience, called The Houseguests: A Memoir of Canadian Courage and CIA Sorcery.

The event, titled Argo Adventure or Canadian Caper? features a moderated Q&A and book signing. It is presented by SFU Public Square in partnership with the SFU Library and the Consulate of the United States’ Vancouver office.

Registration is required. Register here.