COMMENTS & FEEDBACK
ITME’s unique educational approach enhances understanding and engagement and equips diverse community members and leaders—from high school students to religious and civic leaders from across the ideological spectrum—with the tools to constructively engage in complex discussions about Israel and the Middle East.
Testimonials from students, community members, and professionals alike stand as a testament to ITME’s commitment and impact. Avi’s presentations are universally acclaimed. His ability to articulate the nuanced reality of the Middle East and Israel’s role in regional geopolitics has been described as “outstanding.” Participants appreciate his professionalism and his adeptness at discussing Israel beyond its divisive politics. Feedback consistently highlights the value of Avi’s insights, with many expressing gratitude for his guidance through challenging and emotional topics.
“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’s nuanced, balanced, and thoughtful analysis has helped many people, myself included, gain a deeper understanding of the events in Israel and the complexities of the wider Middle East. We have had nearly 2,000 participants joining our virtual briefings and accessing the online recordings. I am so proud and honored to provide this important resource to our JCC community at this critical time when greater education is essential. Avi’s presentations on the war directly impacted the conversation at my Thanksgiving dinner and Shabbat Table. I have also sent the recording to friends all over the world, and they are so grateful for the authentic education!” ~ Judy Wolff-Bolton, CEO, Osher Marin, JCC
“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
“ It is not easy to curate adult educational experiences around Israel. People have strong opinions, contrasting narratives, and political perspectives and often bring those to the table without listening first. Avi did an amazing job sharing the complex framework of the Middle East region and answering questions with nuance and perspective rather than his own “op-ed.” (…) I am delighted that we could bring high level content to an adult audience that ranged in age from 20-86. ” ~ Brian Schreiber, President and CEO, JCC of Greater Pittsburgh
“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
“The board and staff have been expressing their appreciation for Avi’s presentation. They mentioned that it was the best presentation that we have ever had, and they are now more informed and capable of having productive conversations with people who question Israel.”
Laura Friedman, Executive Director, Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater JCC, New Jersey
“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
“At a time when facts are in doubt, Avi brought us truth. At a time when charlatans reign, Avi brought us authenticity. Society cannot advance or function without truth and authenticity. We thank him again… and again.”
~ David Black, Executive Director, Sid Jacobson, JCC, New York
“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
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
“I’m a progressive; I’m a local California council member. Avi, the briefing you gave is the most important briefing I’ve heard. And I want you to brief the council.” ~ Attendee at a California JCC Event, Member of Local County Council in Southern California
“Dear Avi, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the recent events at our center. Your presence and insights have left an indelible mark on our community. The three events you conducted were nothing short of exceptional, providing us with a profound understanding of Israel and the complex dynamics in the Middle East. Your ability to articulate the nuances of the current situation, especially regarding the war that commenced on October 7th, has enlightened us and inspired a collective desire to delve deeper into these crucial issues. We extend our sincere thanks to Maia as well for her part in making these events happen and for being so helpful and kind. Your passion for educating others shines through, and we are truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from you. We are all now more motivated than ever to continue our pursuit of knowledge and understanding! ~ Miriam Zirdok, Adult Engagement Director, Michael-Ann Russell JCC, Miami