The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York (JFNENY) will bring two Middle East policy experts to the Capital Region for “The Iran War and Its Aftermath: What’s Changed for Israel, the Middle East—and What Comes Next?” on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the GE Theatre at Proctors, 432 State St., Schenectady.

The program will feature a conversation between David Makovsky and Ghaith al-Omari, who will offer informed and complementary perspectives on the rapidly changing strategic landscape facing Israel and the broader Middle East.

The discussion will consider how the military confrontation involving Israel, Iran and the United States has affected Iran’s military, nuclear and regional capabilities; Israel’s strategic position; and the balance of power throughout the region. Makovsky and al-Omari will also explore the potential implications for Hamas, Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups, as well as the future of regional cooperation, the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-Israel relationship and the Israeli-Palestinian landscape.

Makovsky is the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and director of its Project on Arab-Israel Relations. He is also an adjunct professor of Middle East studies at the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. From 2013–2014, he worked in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of State as a senior advisor to the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations.

Before joining The Washington Institute, Makovsky was an award-winning journalist who covered the Middle East peace process. He previously served as executive editor of The Jerusalem Post, diplomatic correspondent for Haaretz and a contributing editor and special Jerusalem correspondent for U.S. News & World Report.

Al-Omari is the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Senior Fellow in The Washington Institute’s Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship. He previously served as executive director of the American Task Force on Palestine.

Al-Omari advised the Palestinian negotiating team during the permanent-status negotiations held from 1999–2001 and held several other positions within the Palestinian Authority. His background provides firsthand experience in Palestinian politics, diplomacy and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

The presentation will be followed by a community dessert reception catered by 518Kosher and supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District. Tickets are required, and early registration is encouraged.

Four ticket levels are available, including processing fees: Student: $10.30, Access: $25.75, Standard: $51.50, Supporter: $77.25

Those planning to attend are invited to select the level that is most comfortable for them. Anyone for whom cost is a barrier may contact Jewish Federation at 518-783-7800 for assistance.

Reservations may be obtained at jewishfedny.ticketspice.com/makovsky-alomari or on Facebook or Instagram.