Center for a New Middle East

In the wake of the horrific events of October 7, American Jewish Committee (AJC) was confronted with a fundamental challenge: allow the forces of hate and division to dominate the Middle East or leverage the decades of trust and influence the organization has cultivated to advance a more prosperous future. The choice was clear. AJC would redouble its efforts to build a more interconnected region. From there, the AJC Center for a New Middle East was born.

Drawing upon the relationships AJC has nurtured since its initial visits to Morocco in the 1950s, and expanded since the Madrid Peace Conference of 1991, AJC is committed to promoting programs across three principal sectors: diplomacy, business, and civil society. This holistic approach, combined with AJC’s global architecture—with 15 international posts, including offices in Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi—uniquely positions the Center’s work at the nexus of a global network. 

By bringing together decades of trust, international architecture, and multifaceted programs, the Center for a New Middle East can do things that no other organization can accomplish. The Center will have the power to convene the best and brightest from across the world to build bridges, shape policies, and instill the hope needed to truly create a new Middle East. 

Top Resources from AJC's Center for a New Middle East

Programming

The Center for a New Middle East is dedicated to advancing Israel’s integration in a peaceful and interconnected region by fostering partnerships, building trust, and strengthening ties across key sectors. Our programming focuses on three core areas: Diplomacy and Politics, Business and Innovation; and Civil Society, Religion, and Education. Each initiative is designed to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration and progress.

Diplomacy and Politics

Leveraging AJC’s decades of expertise in Middle East engagement, the Center will convene high-level dialogues and facilitate partnerships between governments, policymakers, and diplomats. These efforts will focus on promoting regional integration, supporting peace initiatives, and addressing shared challenges.

Business and Innovation

The Center will bring together leaders from Israel, the Arab world, and beyond to foster economic partnerships and innovation. Through programs aimed at connecting entrepreneurs, advancing shared technological solutions, and promoting regional growth, we seek to strengthen the ties that underpin lasting economic cooperation.

Civil Society, Religion, and Education

The Center is committed to fostering cultural and interfaith engagement by empowering civil society, education, and religious leaders. Programs will promote dialogue, strengthen educational opportunities, and deepen understanding across diverse communities to build the foundation for a more harmonious and interconnected region.

 

 

Contact Us!

AJC’s Center for a New Middle East is dedicated to meeting this unique moment in time by fostering meaningful change across the region. To learn more about our innovative programs in the fields of Diplomacy and Politics; Business and Innovation; Civil Society, Religion, and Education, please contact AJC’s Center for a New Middle East at [email protected].

 

 

Jason Isaacson
Jason Isaacson
AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer
Benjy Rogers Headshot
Benjamin Rogers
AJC Director, Middle East and North Africa Initiatives
Marc Sievers Headshot
Marc J. Sievers
Director, AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding
Headshot of Avital Leibovich
Avital Leibovich
Director, AJC Jerusalem
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