ITME ON THE ROAD | A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ITME
& THE JCC ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA
INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | INTELLIGENCE PERSPECTIVES [ITME]
ITME and its principal educator, Avi Melamed, provide the leading, multi-modality learning experience about Israel and the Middle East. Content is current, compelling, and apolitical. ITME bridges preconceived notions, using historical context and contemporary resources to help program participants learn HOW to think about Israel and the entire Middle East, not WHAT to think, and to enable ongoing, authentic dialogue to strengthen interpersonal and communal ties and equip people to impact the discourse on campus & in their communities.
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA
The JCC Association of North America represents the largest and most diverse platform for Jewish engagement in North America. Local JCCs are the ‘town square’ for the Jewish community and interested friends and neighbors.
MAY 2023 | ITME-ON-THE-ROAD LAUNCH – THE PATH TO EXPANSION!
Our Board, believing Avi was the perfect resource for the JCCs, initiated a pivotal partnership with the Jewish Community Center Association of North America. In May 2023, coincident with Israel’s 75th birthday, the JCCA and ITME launched a unique partnership through the JCC Association Center for Israel Engagement. To kick off the initiative, Avi briefed the Board of Directors at their Annual Meeting in New York. He then visited several nearby communities, offering sample programs from the ITME curriculum. ITMES’ distinct apolitical, non-partisan approach and unique ability to create and foster an inclusive, positive, productive, and tolerant dialogue and discussion among people that span the ideological and political spectrum was quickly recognized.
“ 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
PILOT SPRING – SUMMER 2023
ITME and its principal educator, Avi Melamed, provide the leading, multi-modality learning experience about Israel and the Middle East. Content is current, compelling, and apolitical. ITME bridges preconceived notions, using historical context and contemporary resources to help program participants learn HOW to think about Israel and the entire Middle East, not WHAT to think, and to enable ongoing, authentic dialogue to strengthen interpersonal and communal ties.
As Israel nears a tremendous milestone, the Middle East is entering a new era. ITME sees this new era as an opportunity to solidify a new connection to Israel and anchor Israel as a central component of American Jewish identity. To understand Israel, you must understand the Middle East.
In May 2023, coincident with Israel’s 75th birthday, JCC Association and ITME will initiate a unique partnership through JCC Association’s Center for Israel Engagement.
Avi will present to JCC Association Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting, and he will travel to a select group of nearby communities to present sample programs from the ITME curriculum.
This sneak preview, as a prelude to a larger national program, is designed to demonstrate ITME’s distinct apolitical, non-partisan approach as a platform to create and foster an inclusive, positive, productive, and tolerant dialogue and discussion among people that span the ideological and political spectrum.
