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GUEST SPEAKERS

Avi Melamed

Geopolitical Middle East Intelligence Expert, Former Arab Affairs Advisor, Founder of Inside The Middle East | Intelligence Perspectives Institute [ITME]

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Hayvi Bouzo

An acclaimed American broadcast journalist born in Damascus, Syria, co-founded Yalla Productions to amplify positive voices and promote peace in the Middle East

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Hussain Abdul-Hussain

Middle East Expert Specializing in Iranian Geopolitical Strategies, Gulf Region Affairs with Expertise in Lebanese and Iraqi Politics, Research Fellow FDD

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Andrew Schuster

Co-Founder and CEO of Further Insights

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Dalia Ziada

Award-winning Egyptian Author, Peace Activist, and Expert Analyst on the Geopolitics and Regional Security of the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean

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Inside The Middle East | Intelligence Perspectives [ITME] is dedicated to apolitical, non-partisan education about the Middle East. ITME provides customized educational experiences, knowledge, tools, and resources to organizations, private individuals, students, practitioners, and leaders.

Copyright 2024 Beth El Congregation

GUEST SPEAKERS

Avi Melamed
Avi Melamed
Read More
Avi Melamed is a distinguished Geopolitical Middle East Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Author, Educator, 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 led to academia when he was appointed the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. (2013–2018). During his tenure, Avi developed “Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives” [ITME], an undergraduate experiential education course that later expanded to Capitol Hill. ITME focuses on apolitical, nonpartisan education about the Middle East and critical thinking and media literacy skills. Recognizing its broader potential, Avi transformed ITME into a not-for-profit institute. Guided by a diverse Board of Directors, ITME now offers customized educational programs worldwide to diverse Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, from students to global leaders. 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. Avi’s briefings, seminars, workshops, courses, and tours are acclaimed for cultivating nuanced perspectives and fostering constructive dialogue and informed communities. Author of three books on the region. His recent book is “Inside The Middle East | Entering a New Era.” Avi is also the author, producer, and host of the newly released documentary series on Jerusalem, “The Seam Line,” a five-part docuseries exploring the many layers of the conflict in and over Jerusalem. Avi is Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. He is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Hura, BBC, CNN, I24 News, FOX, France24, Sky News and many more. He is a recognized expert featured in ABC, AP, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, the Hill, NBC, Newsweek, Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few. And is a permanent contributor to USA Today. More of his analysis and interviews can be found on the ITME Hub. Avi Melamed’s unique expertise provides an unmatched perspective on a region crucial to global geopolitics, empowering individuals to skillfully navigate future events.
Hayvi Bouzo
Hayvi Bouzo
Read More
Hayvi Bouzo is a highly respected American broadcast journalist born and raised in Damascus, Syria. With a history of critically acclaimed TV and radio shows, she has made a significant impact in her field. Hayvi is the co-founder and host of the Yalla show and Yalla productions, providing a platform for positive and inspirational voices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). She has also served as a bureau chief for Orient News in Washington DC and hosted “The Axis” show, where she interviewed high profile guests, which was viewed by millions worldwide. Her insightful reporting and dynamic style have earned her numerous recognitions and accolades for her achievements. Hayvi’s mixed background has influenced her passion for giving a voice to marginalized communities. In her work she focuses on, confronting hate, antisemitism, while promoting positive values and people to people’s peace and coexistence in the MENA region.
Dalia Ziada
Dalia Ziada
Read More
Dalia Ziada is an Egyptian award-winning writer and political analyst specializing in governance, geopolitics, and defense policy in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. She has been recognized for her leading role as a civil rights activist in the Arab Spring revolutions of 2010-2011 and for her uncommon stance as an Arab Muslim intellectual in support of Israel’s war against Hamas in 2023. Dalia studied international relations, with a focus on international security studies, at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (in the United States). Dalia worked in leading positions at major regional and international think tanks and civil society organizations, where she wrote dozens of papers analyzing the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean region, advocated for peace and democracy in the Middle East, and fought tough political and cultural battles against radical Islamist groups in Arab countries. As a social entrepreneur, Dalia co-founded and led the Liberal Democracy Institute (LDI) in 2015 and the Center for Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Studies (MEEM) in 2019. Before that, Dalia served as the Executive Director of the Cairo-based Ibn Khaldun Center for Democratic Studies and as the Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa for the Washington-based American Islamic Congress (AIC). Dalia is also a member of several regional and international voluntary initiatives for peace and liberalism, such as the CLARITy Coalition and Diplomeds. Dalia authored the best-selling book “The Curious Case of the Three-Legged Wolf - Egypt: Military, Islamism, and Liberal Democracy” (2019) and other internationally acclaimed books dating back to 2006. Dalia’s next book project "The Coalition of Odds" explores the reshuffling of power coalitions in the greater Middle East and their rising influence on the historical and renewed conflicts between modern-day world superpowers. In November 2023, Dalia had to flee Egypt, running for her life. During the 2023 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Dalia condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Israeli civilians and expressed strong support for Israel's military retaliation against Hamas. Her public stance led to significant backlash in Egypt, resulting in threats to her safety and accusations of espionage and incitement of war crimes. Now, Dalia lives in the United States, where she is determined to continue her fight against radical Islamists and her activism for peace in the Middle East.
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Read More
Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a distinguished analyst specializing in Iranian affairs, with a deep focus on the Gulf region and Yemen. Of Shia Iraqi and Lebanese heritage, Hussain was born and raised in Beirut, Baghdad, and Baalbek—cities at the heart of major Middle Eastern events. He holds a degree in History and Archaeology from the American University of Beirut, where his journey in journalism began. Hussain worked as a reporter and later as managing editor at Beirut’s The Daily Star, covering conflicts along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in Iraq. In Washington, Hussain played a pivotal role in establishing and managing Alhurra Iraq, an Arabic satellite network. He later served as the head of the Washington Bureau for the Kuwaiti daily Alrai. As a Visiting Fellow at Chatham House in London, he contributed to international discourse, with his work appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and various Arabic publications. His analysis has been cited by Vox, The Jerusalem Post, and Newsweek, and he frequently shares his expertise on CNN, MSNBC, and major Arabic satellite networks. Currently, Hussain is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he continues to provide invaluable insights into the complexities of the Gulf region and Yemen.
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GUEST SPEAKERS

Hayvi Bouzo
Hayvi Bouzo
Read More
Hayvi Bouzo is a highly respected American broadcast journalist born and raised in Damascus, Syria. With a history of critically acclaimed TV and radio shows, she has made a significant impact in her field. Hayvi is the co-founder and host of the Yalla show and Yalla productions, providing a platform for positive and inspirational voices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). She has also served as a bureau chief for Orient News in Washington DC and hosted “The Axis” show, where she interviewed high profile guests, which was viewed by millions worldwide. Her insightful reporting and dynamic style have earned her numerous recognitions and accolades for her achievements. Hayvi’s mixed background has influenced her passion for giving a voice to marginalized communities. In her work she focuses on, confronting hate, antisemitism, while promoting positive values and people to people’s peace and coexistence in the MENA region.
Avi Melamed
Avi Melamed
Read More
Avi Melamed is a distinguished Geopolitical Middle East Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Author, Educator, 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 led to academia when he was appointed the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. (2013–2018). During his tenure, Avi developed “Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives” [ITME], an undergraduate experiential education course that later expanded to Capitol Hill. ITME focuses on apolitical, nonpartisan education about the Middle East and critical thinking and media literacy skills. Recognizing its broader potential, Avi transformed ITME into a not-for-profit institute. Guided by a diverse Board of Directors, ITME now offers customized educational programs worldwide to diverse Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, from students to global leaders. 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. Avi’s briefings, seminars, workshops, courses, and tours are acclaimed for cultivating nuanced perspectives and fostering constructive dialogue and informed communities. Author of three books on the region. His recent book is “Inside The Middle East | Entering a New Era.” Avi is also the author, producer, and host of the newly released documentary series on Jerusalem, “The Seam Line,” a five-part docuseries exploring the many layers of the conflict in and over Jerusalem. Avi is Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. He is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Hura, BBC, CNN, I24 News, FOX, France24, Sky News and many more. He is a recognized expert featured in ABC, AP, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, the Hill, NBC, Newsweek, Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few. And is a permanent contributor to USA Today. More of his analysis and interviews can be found on the ITME Hub. Avi Melamed’s unique expertise provides an unmatched perspective on a region crucial to global geopolitics, empowering individuals to skillfully navigate future events.
Dalia Ziada
Dalia Ziada
Read More
Dalia Ziada is an Egyptian award-winning writer and political analyst specializing in governance, geopolitics, and defense policy in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. She has been recognized for her leading role as a civil rights activist in the Arab Spring revolutions of 2010-2011 and for her uncommon stance as an Arab Muslim intellectual in support of Israel’s war against Hamas in 2023. Dalia studied international relations, with a focus on international security studies, at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (in the United States). Dalia worked in leading positions at major regional and international think tanks and civil society organizations, where she wrote dozens of papers analyzing the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean region, advocated for peace and democracy in the Middle East, and fought tough political and cultural battles against radical Islamist groups in Arab countries. As a social entrepreneur, Dalia co-founded and led the Liberal Democracy Institute (LDI) in 2015 and the Center for Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Studies (MEEM) in 2019. Before that, Dalia served as the Executive Director of the Cairo-based Ibn Khaldun Center for Democratic Studies and as the Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa for the Washington-based American Islamic Congress (AIC). Dalia is also a member of several regional and international voluntary initiatives for peace and liberalism, such as the CLARITy Coalition and Diplomeds. Dalia authored the best-selling book “The Curious Case of the Three-Legged Wolf - Egypt: Military, Islamism, and Liberal Democracy” (2019) and other internationally acclaimed books dating back to 2006. Dalia’s next book project "The Coalition of Odds" explores the reshuffling of power coalitions in the greater Middle East and their rising influence on the historical and renewed conflicts between modern-day world superpowers. In November 2023, Dalia had to flee Egypt, running for her life. During the 2023 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Dalia condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Israeli civilians and expressed strong support for Israel's military retaliation against Hamas. Her public stance led to significant backlash in Egypt, resulting in threats to her safety and accusations of espionage and incitement of war crimes. Now, Dalia lives in the United States, where she is determined to continue her fight against radical Islamists and her activism for peace in the Middle East.
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Read More
Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a distinguished analyst specializing in Iranian affairs, with a deep focus on the Gulf region and Yemen. Of Shia Iraqi and Lebanese heritage, Hussain was born and raised in Beirut, Baghdad, and Baalbek—cities at the heart of major Middle Eastern events. He holds a degree in History and Archaeology from the American University of Beirut, where his journey in journalism began. Hussain worked as a reporter and later as managing editor at Beirut’s The Daily Star, covering conflicts along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in Iraq. In Washington, Hussain played a pivotal role in establishing and managing Alhurra Iraq, an Arabic satellite network. He later served as the head of the Washington Bureau for the Kuwaiti daily Alrai. As a Visiting Fellow at Chatham House in London, he contributed to international discourse, with his work appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and various Arabic publications. His analysis has been cited by Vox, The Jerusalem Post, and Newsweek, and he frequently shares his expertise on CNN, MSNBC, and major Arabic satellite networks. Currently, Hussain is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he continues to provide invaluable insights into the complexities of the Gulf region and Yemen.
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Register

GUEST SPEAKERS

Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Read More
Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a distinguished analyst specializing in Iranian affairs, with a deep focus on the Gulf region and Yemen. Of Shia Iraqi and Lebanese heritage, Hussain was born and raised in Beirut, Baghdad, and Baalbek—cities at the heart of major Middle Eastern events. He holds a degree in History and Archaeology from the American University of Beirut, where his journey in journalism began. Hussain worked as a reporter and later as managing editor at Beirut’s The Daily Star, covering conflicts along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in Iraq. In Washington, Hussain played a pivotal role in establishing and managing Alhurra Iraq, an Arabic satellite network. He later served as the head of the Washington Bureau for the Kuwaiti daily Alrai. As a Visiting Fellow at Chatham House in London, he contributed to international discourse, with his work appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and various Arabic publications. His analysis has been cited by Vox, The Jerusalem Post, and Newsweek, and he frequently shares his expertise on CNN, MSNBC, and major Arabic satellite networks. Currently, Hussain is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he continues to provide invaluable insights into the complexities of the Gulf region and Yemen.
Avi Melamed
Avi Melamed
Read More
Avi Melamed is a distinguished Geopolitical Middle East Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Author, Educator, 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 led to academia when he was appointed the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. (2013–2018). During his tenure, Avi developed “Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives” [ITME], an undergraduate experiential education course that later expanded to Capitol Hill. ITME focuses on apolitical, nonpartisan education about the Middle East and critical thinking and media literacy skills. Recognizing its broader potential, Avi transformed ITME into a not-for-profit institute. Guided by a diverse Board of Directors, ITME now offers customized educational programs worldwide to diverse Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, from students to global leaders. 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. Avi’s briefings, seminars, workshops, courses, and tours are acclaimed for cultivating nuanced perspectives and fostering constructive dialogue and informed communities. Author of three books on the region. His recent book is “Inside The Middle East | Entering a New Era.” Avi is also the author, producer, and host of the newly released documentary series on Jerusalem, “The Seam Line,” a five-part docuseries exploring the many layers of the conflict in and over Jerusalem. Avi is Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. He is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Hura, BBC, CNN, I24 News, FOX, France24, Sky News and many more. He is a recognized expert featured in ABC, AP, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, the Hill, NBC, Newsweek, Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few. And is a permanent contributor to USA Today. More of his analysis and interviews can be found on the ITME Hub. Avi Melamed’s unique expertise provides an unmatched perspective on a region crucial to global geopolitics, empowering individuals to skillfully navigate future events.
Hayvi Bouzo
Hayvi Bouzo
Read More
Hayvi Bouzo is a highly respected American broadcast journalist born and raised in Damascus, Syria. With a history of critically acclaimed TV and radio shows, she has made a significant impact in her field. Hayvi is the co-founder and host of the Yalla show and Yalla productions, providing a platform for positive and inspirational voices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). She has also served as a bureau chief for Orient News in Washington DC and hosted “The Axis” show, where she interviewed high profile guests, which was viewed by millions worldwide. Her insightful reporting and dynamic style have earned her numerous recognitions and accolades for her achievements. Hayvi’s mixed background has influenced her passion for giving a voice to marginalized communities. In her work she focuses on, confronting hate, antisemitism, while promoting positive values and people to people’s peace and coexistence in the MENA region.
Dalia Ziada
Dalia Ziada
Read More
Dalia Ziada is an Egyptian award-winning writer and political analyst specializing in governance, geopolitics, and defense policy in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. She has been recognized for her leading role as a civil rights activist in the Arab Spring revolutions of 2010-2011 and for her uncommon stance as an Arab Muslim intellectual in support of Israel’s war against Hamas in 2023. Dalia studied international relations, with a focus on international security studies, at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (in the United States). Dalia worked in leading positions at major regional and international think tanks and civil society organizations, where she wrote dozens of papers analyzing the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean region, advocated for peace and democracy in the Middle East, and fought tough political and cultural battles against radical Islamist groups in Arab countries. As a social entrepreneur, Dalia co-founded and led the Liberal Democracy Institute (LDI) in 2015 and the Center for Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Studies (MEEM) in 2019. Before that, Dalia served as the Executive Director of the Cairo-based Ibn Khaldun Center for Democratic Studies and as the Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa for the Washington-based American Islamic Congress (AIC). Dalia is also a member of several regional and international voluntary initiatives for peace and liberalism, such as the CLARITy Coalition and Diplomeds. Dalia authored the best-selling book “The Curious Case of the Three-Legged Wolf - Egypt: Military, Islamism, and Liberal Democracy” (2019) and other internationally acclaimed books dating back to 2006. Dalia’s next book project "The Coalition of Odds" explores the reshuffling of power coalitions in the greater Middle East and their rising influence on the historical and renewed conflicts between modern-day world superpowers. In November 2023, Dalia had to flee Egypt, running for her life. During the 2023 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Dalia condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Israeli civilians and expressed strong support for Israel's military retaliation against Hamas. Her public stance led to significant backlash in Egypt, resulting in threats to her safety and accusations of espionage and incitement of war crimes. Now, Dalia lives in the United States, where she is determined to continue her fight against radical Islamists and her activism for peace in the Middle East.
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GUEST SPEAKERS

Andrew Schuster
Andrew Schuster
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Andrew Schuster is an experienced entrepreneur and digital marketing expert with over two decades in the technology and media sectors. Currently the co-founder and CEO of Further Insights, a digital marketing firm, Schuster was formerly a Digital Sales Specialist at The Baltimore Sun and a co-founder of NewsUp, a trivia game about current events. Schuster has served on the board of WellAware, a nonprofit providing sustainable water solutions in East Africa, and is currently President of The Board of Directors for the York Road Business Improvement District, promoting economic development in Baltimore City. Andrew is a graduate of West Virginia University, where he majored in advertising and entrepreneurship.
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Read More
Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a distinguished analyst specializing in Iranian affairs, with a deep focus on the Gulf region and Yemen. Of Shia Iraqi and Lebanese heritage, Hussain was born and raised in Beirut, Baghdad, and Baalbek—cities at the heart of major Middle Eastern events. He holds a degree in History and Archaeology from the American University of Beirut, where his journey in journalism began. Hussain worked as a reporter and later as managing editor at Beirut’s The Daily Star, covering conflicts along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in Iraq. In Washington, Hussain played a pivotal role in establishing and managing Alhurra Iraq, an Arabic satellite network. He later served as the head of the Washington Bureau for the Kuwaiti daily Alrai. As a Visiting Fellow at Chatham House in London, he contributed to international discourse, with his work appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and various Arabic publications. His analysis has been cited by Vox, The Jerusalem Post, and Newsweek, and he frequently shares his expertise on CNN, MSNBC, and major Arabic satellite networks. Currently, Hussain is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he continues to provide invaluable insights into the complexities of the Gulf region and Yemen.
Avi Melamed
Avi Melamed
Read More
Avi Melamed is a distinguished Geopolitical Middle East Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Author, Educator, 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 led to academia when he was appointed the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. (2013–2018). During his tenure, Avi developed “Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives” [ITME], an undergraduate experiential education course that later expanded to Capitol Hill. ITME focuses on apolitical, nonpartisan education about the Middle East and critical thinking and media literacy skills. Recognizing its broader potential, Avi transformed ITME into a not-for-profit institute. Guided by a diverse Board of Directors, ITME now offers customized educational programs worldwide to diverse Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, from students to global leaders. 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. Avi’s briefings, seminars, workshops, courses, and tours are acclaimed for cultivating nuanced perspectives and fostering constructive dialogue and informed communities. Author of three books on the region. His recent book is “Inside The Middle East | Entering a New Era.” Avi is also the author, producer, and host of the newly released documentary series on Jerusalem, “The Seam Line,” a five-part docuseries exploring the many layers of the conflict in and over Jerusalem. Avi is Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. He is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Hura, BBC, CNN, I24 News, FOX, France24, Sky News and many more. He is a recognized expert featured in ABC, AP, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, the Hill, NBC, Newsweek, Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few. And is a permanent contributor to USA Today. More of his analysis and interviews can be found on the ITME Hub. Avi Melamed’s unique expertise provides an unmatched perspective on a region crucial to global geopolitics, empowering individuals to skillfully navigate future events.
Hayvi Bouzo
Hayvi Bouzo
Read More
Hayvi Bouzo is a highly respected American broadcast journalist born and raised in Damascus, Syria. With a history of critically acclaimed TV and radio shows, she has made a significant impact in her field. Hayvi is the co-founder and host of the Yalla show and Yalla productions, providing a platform for positive and inspirational voices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). She has also served as a bureau chief for Orient News in Washington DC and hosted “The Axis” show, where she interviewed high profile guests, which was viewed by millions worldwide. Her insightful reporting and dynamic style have earned her numerous recognitions and accolades for her achievements. Hayvi’s mixed background has influenced her passion for giving a voice to marginalized communities. In her work she focuses on, confronting hate, antisemitism, while promoting positive values and people to people’s peace and coexistence in the MENA region.
Dalia Ziada
Dalia Ziada
Read More
Dalia Ziada is an Egyptian award-winning writer and political analyst specializing in governance, geopolitics, and defense policy in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. She has been recognized for her leading role as a civil rights activist in the Arab Spring revolutions of 2010-2011 and for her uncommon stance as an Arab Muslim intellectual in support of Israel’s war against Hamas in 2023. Dalia studied international relations, with a focus on international security studies, at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (in the United States). Dalia worked in leading positions at major regional and international think tanks and civil society organizations, where she wrote dozens of papers analyzing the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean region, advocated for peace and democracy in the Middle East, and fought tough political and cultural battles against radical Islamist groups in Arab countries. As a social entrepreneur, Dalia co-founded and led the Liberal Democracy Institute (LDI) in 2015 and the Center for Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Studies (MEEM) in 2019. Before that, Dalia served as the Executive Director of the Cairo-based Ibn Khaldun Center for Democratic Studies and as the Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa for the Washington-based American Islamic Congress (AIC). Dalia is also a member of several regional and international voluntary initiatives for peace and liberalism, such as the CLARITy Coalition and Diplomeds. Dalia authored the best-selling book “The Curious Case of the Three-Legged Wolf - Egypt: Military, Islamism, and Liberal Democracy” (2019) and other internationally acclaimed books dating back to 2006. Dalia’s next book project "The Coalition of Odds" explores the reshuffling of power coalitions in the greater Middle East and their rising influence on the historical and renewed conflicts between modern-day world superpowers. In November 2023, Dalia had to flee Egypt, running for her life. During the 2023 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Dalia condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Israeli civilians and expressed strong support for Israel's military retaliation against Hamas. Her public stance led to significant backlash in Egypt, resulting in threats to her safety and accusations of espionage and incitement of war crimes. Now, Dalia lives in the United States, where she is determined to continue her fight against radical Islamists and her activism for peace in the Middle East.
Previous
Next
Register

GUEST SPEAKERS

Dalia Ziada
Dalia Ziada
Read More
Dalia Ziada is an Egyptian award-winning writer and political analyst specializing in governance, geopolitics, and defense policy in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. She has been recognized for her leading role as a civil rights activist in the Arab Spring revolutions of 2010-2011 and for her uncommon stance as an Arab Muslim intellectual in support of Israel’s war against Hamas in 2023. Dalia studied international relations, with a focus on international security studies, at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (in the United States). Dalia worked in leading positions at major regional and international think tanks and civil society organizations, where she wrote dozens of papers analyzing the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean region, advocated for peace and democracy in the Middle East, and fought tough political and cultural battles against radical Islamist groups in Arab countries. As a social entrepreneur, Dalia co-founded and led the Liberal Democracy Institute (LDI) in 2015 and the Center for Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Studies (MEEM) in 2019. Before that, Dalia served as the Executive Director of the Cairo-based Ibn Khaldun Center for Democratic Studies and as the Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa for the Washington-based American Islamic Congress (AIC). Dalia is also a member of several regional and international voluntary initiatives for peace and liberalism, such as the CLARITy Coalition and Diplomeds. Dalia authored the best-selling book “The Curious Case of the Three-Legged Wolf - Egypt: Military, Islamism, and Liberal Democracy” (2019) and other internationally acclaimed books dating back to 2006. Dalia’s next book project "The Coalition of Odds" explores the reshuffling of power coalitions in the greater Middle East and their rising influence on the historical and renewed conflicts between modern-day world superpowers. In November 2023, Dalia had to flee Egypt, running for her life. During the 2023 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Dalia condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Israeli civilians and expressed strong support for Israel's military retaliation against Hamas. Her public stance led to significant backlash in Egypt, resulting in threats to her safety and accusations of espionage and incitement of war crimes. Now, Dalia lives in the United States, where she is determined to continue her fight against radical Islamists and her activism for peace in the Middle East.
Avi Melamed
Avi Melamed
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Avi Melamed is a distinguished Geopolitical Middle East Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Author, Educator, 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 led to academia when he was appointed the Fellow of Intelligence and Middle East Affairs at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. (2013–2018). During his tenure, Avi developed “Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives” [ITME], an undergraduate experiential education course that later expanded to Capitol Hill. ITME focuses on apolitical, nonpartisan education about the Middle East and critical thinking and media literacy skills. Recognizing its broader potential, Avi transformed ITME into a not-for-profit institute. Guided by a diverse Board of Directors, ITME now offers customized educational programs worldwide to diverse Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, from students to global leaders. 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. Avi’s briefings, seminars, workshops, courses, and tours are acclaimed for cultivating nuanced perspectives and fostering constructive dialogue and informed communities. Author of three books on the region. His recent book is “Inside The Middle East | Entering a New Era.” Avi is also the author, producer, and host of the newly released documentary series on Jerusalem, “The Seam Line,” a five-part docuseries exploring the many layers of the conflict in and over Jerusalem. Avi is Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. He is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as Al-Arabiya, Al-Hura, BBC, CNN, I24 News, FOX, France24, Sky News and many more. He is a recognized expert featured in ABC, AP, Bloomberg, the Financial Times, the Hill, NBC, Newsweek, Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few. And is a permanent contributor to USA Today. More of his analysis and interviews can be found on the ITME Hub. Avi Melamed’s unique expertise provides an unmatched perspective on a region crucial to global geopolitics, empowering individuals to skillfully navigate future events.
Hayvi Bouzo
Hayvi Bouzo
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Hayvi Bouzo is a highly respected American broadcast journalist born and raised in Damascus, Syria. With a history of critically acclaimed TV and radio shows, she has made a significant impact in her field. Hayvi is the co-founder and host of the Yalla show and Yalla productions, providing a platform for positive and inspirational voices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). She has also served as a bureau chief for Orient News in Washington DC and hosted “The Axis” show, where she interviewed high profile guests, which was viewed by millions worldwide. Her insightful reporting and dynamic style have earned her numerous recognitions and accolades for her achievements. Hayvi’s mixed background has influenced her passion for giving a voice to marginalized communities. In her work she focuses on, confronting hate, antisemitism, while promoting positive values and people to people’s peace and coexistence in the MENA region.
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
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Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a distinguished analyst specializing in Iranian affairs, with a deep focus on the Gulf region and Yemen. Of Shia Iraqi and Lebanese heritage, Hussain was born and raised in Beirut, Baghdad, and Baalbek—cities at the heart of major Middle Eastern events. He holds a degree in History and Archaeology from the American University of Beirut, where his journey in journalism began. Hussain worked as a reporter and later as managing editor at Beirut’s The Daily Star, covering conflicts along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in Iraq. In Washington, Hussain played a pivotal role in establishing and managing Alhurra Iraq, an Arabic satellite network. He later served as the head of the Washington Bureau for the Kuwaiti daily Alrai. As a Visiting Fellow at Chatham House in London, he contributed to international discourse, with his work appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and various Arabic publications. His analysis has been cited by Vox, The Jerusalem Post, and Newsweek, and he frequently shares his expertise on CNN, MSNBC, and major Arabic satellite networks. Currently, Hussain is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he continues to provide invaluable insights into the complexities of the Gulf region and Yemen.
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