INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST (ITME) & HILLEL PARTNERSHIP
EDUCATE. EQUIP. EMPOWER.

INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | INTELLIGENCE PERSPECTIVES [ITME]

Collectively, since May 2023, ITME has delivered more than 150 varied and dynamic programs, both online and in-person, across a dozen states, reaching tens of thousands globally. Our audiences have been remarkably varied, encompassing boards, civic leaders, clergy, college and university students, community leaders and members, educators, high school students, interfaith groups, Israelis, and other influential groups identified by our local partners. Utilizing ITME’s unique resources and analysis, we have educated and empowered thousands of community members and leaders from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to engage in constructive and productive dialogue about Israel. The transformative impact of our educational approach is further validated by glowing testimonials from both community members and professionals, highlighting what they have learned, the significant changes in their perspectives and sharing how ITME programming has inspired constructive conversations.

Inside The Middle East, a US-based 501(c)(3), launched a partnership with Hillel in February 2024. We experienced immediate high demand, evidenced by sold-out events at the Hillel Israel Summit and packed talks at the University of Miami, University of Utah, Silicon Valley, and NYU. Limited time forced us to decline invitations from over a half dozen other campuses. As the comments below demonstrate, this partnership has quickly proven influential, enhancing student understanding and providing them with the tools necessary to engage in complex discussions about Israel.

Here is a small sample of the reactions we received during our recent six-week tour of the U.S.:

“I wanted to share my very positive experience with Avi Melamed. I saw him speak for the first time at the Hillel International Conference in Atlanta; I was shocked by how much I learned from one short talk. Because of this, I organized for him to come speak at the NYU Hillel (the Bronfman Center). All the students said they were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the talk. Given the frequency of speakers coming to campuses to discuss Israel, many students feel there is rarely new information provided nor an objective position taken, but Avi’s talk provided both of these things. Avi does an incredible job of showing depth and nuance of the conflict/region in a clear and concise way, something that is very difficult to do. Every student went away from the talk feeling they had a more complete understanding of the conflict, and the necessary information to engage with it more holistically going forward. They also loved listening to it because Avi is a great speaker! I hope Avi can collaborate further with Hillel International in the future so as many students as possible can share this experience!” 

~ Anna Portnoy, Undergraduate New York University Co’2024

 “Avi Melamed is the most impactful speaker I have heard in the last five years I have been Director.” 

~ Elana Fauth, Hillel Director, University of Utah

“Avi Melamed was not your typical Israel speaker. Oftentimes, Israel speakers go over the same back and forth between Israel and Hamas, hitting all the regular talking points from the War of Independence to the Intifadas and all those conflicts in between. After a few of these programs, students often become disengaged. This is where Avi fits in perfectly. The presentation he gave was not Israel 101. It was a comprehensive look at the region and an explanation of what is behind all of these conflicts – ones we see and ones that are less discussed in Western media. It opens up our eyes to the grand scale of the conflict and its current-day implications. This is exactly what students need to continue engaging with Israel in a meaningful way. Even after his talk, Avi stayed and was able to use his wealth of knowledge to answer questions with conviction in a way that was digestible.”

~  Jonah Snyder IACT Israel Coordinator University of Miami

“Avi Melamed delivered a clear account of what is happening in Israel, why it is happening, the history of geopolitics in the Middle East, and the future consequences of the war. In a bi-partisan, factual, straightforward manner, he emphasized Israel’s right & will to exist, detailing the distinction between who agrees with Israel’s existence, who counters it, and why. Avi was able to tone his presentation and language to the complexity and understanding of a college student, expressing himself in a way that both an activist and a newcomer could equally understand and benefit. I learned so much about the internal struggles in the Middle East, especially the dynamics between Sunni & Shi’ite’s, and that conflict’s relationship with Israel, Palestine, Hamas, and Fatah, and how each of these players connects pre and post-October 7th.” 

~ Corey Silbergleid, UM Hillel Vice President, Co’ 2026

“It’s easy to stay under the radar as a Jewish student at Michigan. I choose to be a leader and take the hits for the other students. But we need help. We need to understand. We need education. We need tools. All these Israel Advocacy organizations and speakers come to campus, but what is out there is not helping us. What Avi brings is different – and exactly what we need!”  

~ Undergraduate, University of Michigan, Hillel Israel Summit Attendee

“Avi Melamed delivered a clear account of what is happening in Israel, why it is happening, the history of geopolitics in the Middle East, and the future consequences of the war. In a bi-partisan, factual, straightforward manner, he emphasized Israel’s right & will to exist, detailing the distinction between who agrees with Israel’s existence, who counters it, and why. Avi was able to tone his presentation and language to the complexity and understanding of a college student, expressing himself in a way that both an activist and a newcomer could equally understand and benefit. I learned so much about the internal struggles in the Middle East, especially the dynamics between Sunni & Shi’ite’s, and that conflict’s relationship with Israel, Palestine, Hamas, and Fatah, and how each of these players connects pre and post-October 7th.” 

~ Corey Silbergleid, UM Hillel Vice President, Co’ 2026

Going to Avi’s Hillel event, I anticipated information on the war and details about the current dynamic in Gaza. However, I ended up leaving with knowledge about the history and current geopolitical state of the entire Middle East and all parties involved. I appreciated hearing all the context surrounding the groups involved in the war and how we ended up in the position we are in now. I have a much better understanding of the conflict and more context to better process news updates and information as they arrive.”

~ Sophia Emmanuel, UM Co’ 2025