The current war between Israel and Hamas is a defining moment in the Middle East.

As the world grapples with the escalating conflict, understanding the core issues becomes vital. Are we fully aware of what fuels this war? What led us to this critical juncture? Are we heading towards an expanding multi-front war? What does "the day after" look like? What implications does it hold for the region? What are the lessons for the West?

In this unique briefing, we will unravel the complexities of this crucial chapter, in-depth, contextualized, and holistic analysis.

This distinct apolitical briefing provides a nuanced contextualization of this moment in the histories of Israel, Palestinians, and the Middle East and guides us through the labyrinth of events and their potential aftermath.

Join Israeli intelligence analyst, Avi Melamed for a discussion and dessert reception.

Free Community Event
RSVP HERE

Questions? Email Carmela Malkin Kuhn

This Mit-habrim | Connections program is made possible through the JCC Association in partnership with Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.

Who is Avi Melamed?
With a rich history as a former Israeli Intelligence Official and Senior Advisor on Arab Affairs, Avi Melamed is uniquely positioned at the intersection of intelligence, diplomacy, and education. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, his analysis is deeply rooted in his firsthand experiences and intimate knowledge of the Arab and Muslim worlds, enabling him to navigate and explain the complexities of the Middle East with unmatched clarity. Avi has authored three books on the region, produced “The Seam Line,” a five-part docuseries exploring the many layers of the conflict in and over Jerusalem, and the soon-to-be-released Inside The Middle East | The Primer, an educational film featuring voices from the Arab and Muslim world often absent in Western discourse. He is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as ABC, Al-Arabiya, AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN, the Financial Times, FOX, the Guardian, Newsweek, The Hill, Reuters, Sky News, Wall Street Journal and more. He is a permanent contributor to USA Today.

What is Unique about Avi Melamed as a Speaker?
Avi’s approach is not about advocacy; it’s about education. In the crowded landscape of Israeli speakers, Avi stands apart not merely for his experience and expertise but for his transformative approach. His philosophy is that in order to understand Israel, you must understand the Middle East. His strategy of offering apolitical, non-partisan Middle East education is rooted in his belief that education is not about telling people what to think but rather teaching people how to think.