Small Sample of Feedback from Previous North American Tours
“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
“ 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’s ability to provide a broad picture of the reality in the Middle East and Israel’s role in the geopolitical complexity of the region was outstanding. Avi’s ability to talk about Israel beyond the divisive Israeli politics at an extremely high level was incredibly appreciated. ITME is making a difference!” ~ Leah Garber, Senior Vice President, Israel Engagement and Director General, Center for Israel Engagement of the JCC Association of North America
The extraordinarily successful pilot phase laid the groundwork for expansion. A series of tailored programs across North America, including Board Briefings, Community Events, and Staff and Professional Training, were scheduled for the West Coast of the United States and Canada for October and November 2023.
OCTOBER 2023 | ITME-ON-THE-ROAD GOES VIRTUAL
Following the events of October 7th, believing Avi was more valuable in Israel as an educator, at the last minute, in consultation with JCC Association of North America professional leadership, we decided to postpone the trip and focus on media outreach and virtual programming for a plethora of global organizations – the core of which was JCCs across the United States. ITME’s relationship with the JCC has expanded and flourished – especially since October 7th.
The event was great last night. As always I learned so much, and I am truly encouraged knowing Avi is out there spreading rationality and important context! Once again, we are truly grateful for your dedication, especially during this challenging moment.
Many attendees came up afterward to express their gratitude for your explanation and guidance through a very emotional topic. I reminded them that you will be returning sometime this winter and many said they would definitely participate. “
FEBRUARY – MARCH 2024 | ON THE ROAD AGAIN
In December, February, and March, we were on the road again – reaching almost a dozen states coast-to-coast and helping boards, communities, professionals & staff understand the war by gaining a deeper understanding of the evolving war. We held scores of interviews and over 40 public and private events with audiences of a range of ages and from various religious and professional backgrounds. The primary pillar of our tour was ITME-ON-THE-ROAD, our partnership with the JCC Association of North America.
This was my first attendance at a JCC event. It was exactly what I’m interested in given the war going on today. The speaker was excellent and he explained things very thoroughly and made it reasonable to understand. This was the perfect session for me to attend and I will surely attend others. Thank you
“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
MAY 2023 – APRIL 2024 | OVER 100 PROGRAMS, BOTH IN-PERSON AND ONLINE, FOR DIVERSE AUDIENCES AT OVER 30 JCCs
Since May 2023, we have worked intensively one-one-one with JCCs across North America to create customized live and virtual programming in Israel and across North America. Utilizing ITME’s unique briefings, tours, workshops, film screenings, resources, and analysis, we have educated, equipped, and empowered thousands of community members and leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds – Jews and non-Jews, community members, clergy of all faiths, and community and civic leaders – with the knowledge, skills, and tools that build a bridge to engage in constructive and productive dialogue about Israel. Between May 2023 and April 2024, we have organized and conducted over 100 dynamic and varied programs, both in-person and online, for dozens (over 30 JCCs) of JCCs across the United States.
“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
The uniqueness of partnering with JCCs is the gift of leveraging their networks. Our partnership with the JCC is allowing us to reach broad and diverse audiences. Through this partnership, we are reaching tens of thousands of people – boards, business, civic and non-profit leaders, clergy, community members, educators, high school seniors, interfaith groups, Israelis, leadership, professionals, religious and secular political and educational organizations and institutions, synagogues, universities, and other influential groups that local partners determine – around the world. Testimonials from professionals and community members alike stand as a testament to our commitment and impact.
GROWING DEMAND FOR LIVE, VIRTUAL, AS WELL AS TOOLS AND RESOURCES
The pilot’s success, the popularity and impact of the virtual and live briefings during the war, and our in-person programming at JCCs across the United States in December, February, and March have led many JCCs to seek continued ITME education for their communities, staff, and professionals.
Given the continuing demand, we continue to work with JCCs across North America to develop virtual programming and resources and tools to enhance educational enrichment. Our goal is to do whatever we can within budget constraints to empower communities, staff, and professionals with a robust understanding of the Middle East, furthering knowledge, enhancing understanding, and supporting constructive community dialogue.
THE JCC ISRAEL ACADEMY
Recognizing Avi’s unique and exceptional contributions to the JCC Association of North America, Avi has earned his place as the movement’s premier educator.
“Working with ITME has been the best thing the JCC has ever done. Avi’s “marks” in live presentations, virtual programs, as well as on the grond tours in Israel are off the charts. That is unheard of….”
~ Attendee at a California JCC Event, Member of Local County Council in Southern California
“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.”
In May 2024, the JCC Association of North America will be launching the Israel Academy. Avi will be the first educator of this new initiative; he will teach a six-part course called Inside the Middle East: Navigating Today’s Complexities and Tomorrow’s Possibilities.
Testimonials from professionals and community members alike stand as a testament to our 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 his insights, with many expressing gratitude for his guidance through challenging and emotional topics.
“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
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 Wolf Bolton, Executive Director, Osher Marin, JCC, San Rafael, CA
