GEOPOLITICAL MIDDLE EAST EXPERT, INTELLIGENCE ANALYST, AUTHOR, EDUCATOR, SPEAKER, FOUNDER – INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST INTELLIGENCE PERSPECTIVES [ITME] INSTITUTE

Avi Melamed is a distinguished Geopolitical Middle East Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Author, Commentator, Educator, Lecturer, Speaker, and Founder and CEO of Inside the Middle East Intelligence Perspectives [ITME].

With a rich history as a former Israeli Intelligence Official and Senior Advisor on Arab Affairs, Avi has been uniquely positioned at the intersection of diplomacy, education, and intelligence.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, Avi is recognized for his profound understanding of current affairs in the Arab and Muslim world and their implications on Israel and the broader Middle East. His deep familiarity with the Arab and Muslim world has enabled him to predict key regional events.

Beyond his governmental and intelligence roles, where he undertook high-risk assignments, Avi’s most significant contribution lies in his commitment to education.

His public service journey segued into academia when he was appointed the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. During his tenure (2013 – 2018), Avi developed an undergraduate experiential education course, which later expanded to Capitol Hill, called “Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives” [ITME]. The ITME praxis rests on two core pillars: providing apolitical, non-partisan, contextualized education about the Middle East and developing critical thinking and media literacy skills.

Recognizing the course’s broader implications, Avi expanded ITME into a not-for-profit independent institute. Today, guided by a diversified Board of Directors, ITME offers a wealth of customized educational programming in Israel and around the world and serves a wide variety of Jewish and non-Jewish audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and ideologies – including students, diplomats, media professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and global figures. With a philosophy that stresses apolitical, non-partisan education about the Middle East and understanding Israel within the broader context of the Middle East, ITME equips individuals with knowledge, resources, skills, and tools equipping them to navigate complex global issues amidst misconceptions and oversimplified narratives. Committed to bridging bridges through understanding, ITME is a testament to Avi’s belief in the power of education to empower minds and bridge ideological divides, and his briefings, seminars, workshops, courses, and tours are acclaimed for cultivating nuanced, comprehensive perspectives, fostering constructive dialogue and understanding and a community rooted in informed perspectives and thoughtful discourse..

In addition to his extensive contributions, Avi has penned several books, including the recent “Inside The Middle East | Entering a New Era,” that serve as vital navigational tools for understanding the region. These publications, along with his ongoing analysis, receive high acclaim across the Arab and Muslim world. Avi’s analysis and predictions are frequently sought by business leaders, diplomats, and policymakers. 

In May 2023, under Avi’s direction, ITME launched a groundbreaking five-part documentary series, خط التماس | Kav Ha Tefer | קו התפר | The Seam Line. Avi Melamed’s Jerusalem Living on the Edge of Eternity is a distinct opportunity to explore the conflict in and over Jerusalem, gain unique insights, uncover perspectives rarely explored by Western media, and understand the Israeli-Palestine conflict and the complex reality of the Middle East. The Seam Line is a transformative journey toward understanding, cooperation, and constructive dialogue.

His newest film, Inside The Middle East | The Primer, is designed to provide a Western audience with an understanding of the underlying factors that have shaped, shaped, and will shape the region through authentic voices from the Arab and Muslim world that are often absent in Western discourse. The film is scheduled to be released in 2025.

Avi is a frequent commentator on Arabic and English international media platforms such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Hura, AP, BBC, CBC, CNN, I24 News, FOX, France24, NBC, Sky News, and many more. He is a recognized expert featured in Al-Arabiya, Al-Hura, BBC, CNN, I24 News, FOX, France24, Sky News, etc. He is a recognized expert featured in ABC, AP, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, the Hill, NBC, Newsweek, Reuters, and the Wall Street Journal, to name a few. And is a permanent contributor to USA Today. To keep up with Avi’s analysis in Arabic and English, please visit the ITME HUB.

Avi Melamed’s distinct expertise offers an unparalleled perspective on a region that is pivotal in shaping global geopolitics, equipping individuals to adeptly navigate the events of tomorrow.

Avi Melamed | Contact Information

Israel Mobile & WhatsApp +972-50-540-9905 | Email av*@********ed.com | Twitter @AviMelamed | Website insidethemiddle-east.com

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT AVI MELAMED?

Geopolitical Middle East Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Author, Educator

Founder & CEO of Inside the Middle East Intelligence Perspectives [ITME] Institute

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. To keep up with Avi’s analysis, please visit the ITME HUB.

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.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT?

By providing a contextualized understanding of the region and introducing perspectives often absent in Western discourse that transcends typical narratives, Avi bridges ideological divides and empowers diverse audiences – Jews and non-Jews, from high school to Capitol Hill – to understand the region’s complexities and engage in informed discussions and constructive dialogue. For people who support Israel, Avi’s approach empowers them to do so from a place of knowledge and understanding, rather than mere obligation. For those critical of Israel, his approach fosters a more receptive attitude towards Israel’s policies and challenges, allowing them to engage without compromising their moral compass and core values.

COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK Uniquely Different. Uniquely Impactful.

Avi’s distinct philosophy and strategy empower diverse audiences to navigate the complexities of the Middle East with confidence and clarity.

“It’s not easy curating educational experiences around Israel. People have strong opinions, contrasting narratives, and political perspectives. Avi did an amazing job with nuance and perspective rather than his own “op-ed.” ~ Brian Schreiber, President, CEO, JCC, Greater Pittsburgh

“Avi Melamed is not your typical Israel speaker. He didn’t just recite the usual talking points; he opened our eyes to the grand scale of the conflict and the current-day implications. This is exactly what students need to continue engaging with Israel in a meaningful way.” ~ Jonah Snyder, IACT Israel Coordinator, University of Miami

“I’m a progressive; I’m a local California council member. I was coming for the photo-op. But your briefing is the most important one I’ve heard. So, I cleared my calendar for the day so I could stay and hear you. I want you to brief the council.”~ California legislator, JCC Orange County Event

“Given the frequency of speakers coming to campuses to discuss Israel, students feel there is rarely new information provided nor an objective position taken. Avi’s talk provided both! Every student went away feeling they had a more complete understanding of the war, and the necessary information to engage with it more holistically going forward.” ~ Anna P, Undergraduate, New York University, Co’2024

“The board and staff said that it was the best presentation that we have ever had and are now capable of having productive conversations with people who question Israel.” Laura Friedman, Executive Director, Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater JCC

“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.” ~ U Miami Hillel Vice President, Co’ 2026

SAMPLE LECTURES & PROGRAMS

Inside The Middle East | Navigating The Storm Of Conflict To The Horizon’s Edge 

Israel At War | A Pivotal Moment for the Middle East

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | A View From The Region – How The Middle East Shapes The Conflict 

 Inside The Middle East | The Primer [Film & Discussion Based On Avi‘s Upcoming Documentary] 

خط التماس| Kav Ha Tefer | קו התפר | The Seam Line| Avi Melamed’s Jerusalem | Living On The Edge Of Eternity [Film & Discussion Based On Avi‘s Jerusalem Documentary] To contact Avi, email Av*@******************st.com | Website: InsideTheMiddle-East.com

INTELLIGENCE EXPERIENCES BY AVI MELAMED