Event Details
February 16, 2025
Lifelong Learning Lunch: Inside The Middle East
Time:
12:00 pm
Location:
Details
Lifelong Learning Lunch: Inside The Middle East with former Israeli Intelligence Officer and Senior Arab Affairs Advisor Avi Melamed
Sunday, February 16, 12 p.m. Catered Lunch, 1 p.m. Update & Briefing by Avi Melamed
In the face of escalating conflict, the Middle East stands at a historic crossroads—a defining moment for Israel, the Palestinians, and the region as a whole. In this briefing, we’ll navigate the storm of challenges shaping the Middle East today, a region profoundly influenced by deep-seated forces and unfolding events that impact not only Israel and the Palestinians but extend far beyond.
As conflicts intensify and stakes rise, understanding the core issues driving this crisis is essential. This briefing will explore the forces fueling the current war, including the roles of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other key players. We’ll trace the path that led to this critical moment and examine the implications for “the day after” not just for Israel and the Palestinians, but for the region and the world.
Avi Melamed is an intelligence analyst, expert on current affairs in the Arab and Muslim world and their impact on the Middle East and Israel’s Geopolitical environment.
He is the author of Inside the Middle East: Making Sense of the Most Dangerous and Complicated Region on Earth.
A collaboration of Merage JCC and Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot. Partially funded by a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County.
JCC and Congregation Shir Ha- Ma’alot



Register by 2/15