Jewish Federation and Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) will host geopolitical expert Avi Melamed for a special event on Thursday, March 26.
The event, Israel and Middle East Dynamics, will take place at 7 p.m. in the social hall at the Jewish Community Campus. The program is free and open to the entire community.
Melamed is an Israeli author, educator and independent Middle East strategic intelligence analyst. He previously served as an Israeli intelligence official and senior advisor on Arab affairs, roles that provided him with extensive firsthand insight into the region’s political, cultural and security dynamics.
“At a time when many people are trying to make sense of events in the Middle East, opportunities to learn from experienced voices are incredibly valuable,” said Annie Glickman, head of school at HBHA. “Hosting Avi Melamed allows our community to hear directly from someone who brings both historical knowledge and firsthand experience to the conversation.”
Melamed is the founder of Inside The Middle East Institute (ITME), a nonprofit institute dedicated to apolitical, nonpartisan Middle East education. Through lectures, briefings and educational programs, ITME aims to provide contextualized education about the Middle East and help people develop critical thinking and media literacy skills when engaging with news and information about the region.
Melamed is also the author of three books about the Middle East and the author, producer and host of the docuseries “The Seam Line,” which explores the complex realities and diverse communities that shape Israeli society and the broader region.
“I’ve seen Avi speak in Israel and highly recommend anyone and everyone in Kansas City come to see him. He’s extremely knowledgeable and engaging,” said Federation COO Derek Gale.
The evening will include a lecture-style presentation from Melamed followed by time for questions from the audience. Light, kosher-certified dessert will be served.
Those interested can register at jewishkansascity.org/events/avi-melamed.