Ze'ev Schiff Research Associates

INSS, in conjunction with Haaretz, has launched a new research program in memory of Ze'ev Schiff, longtime defense editor of Haaretz and Member of the INSS Board of Directors. Within the framework of the program, journalists and students of public diplomacy will engage in research at the Institute on media and security issues. Marina Smolyanov is program's associate for 2010.

 Ze'ev Schiff, 1932-2007

Ze'ev Schiff was a household name in Israel, the paradigm of a respected, professional reporter. Heralded as a modest and sensitive individual, his stories were known to be comprehensive, well-researched, responsible, judicious, and balanced. In addition, his reputation extended beyond the confines of Israel. He was a contributor to leading international presses, and the author of several books on Israeli defense-related issues, many of which have been translated into other languages.

Ze'ev was a member of the INSS Board of Directors, and before that, a member of the Jaffee Center's Israel Board. His contribution to the research and analysis efforts here was immense, and there is no question that we as a think tank benefited from his input. He was often consulted on issues of defense and civil-military-relations, and he was a frequent participant, contributor, and moderator at INSS and JCSS events. Most recently, on May 24, he opened the INSS workshop on ramifications of the Winograd Commission's interim report. As usual, his remarks contained insightful, challenging questions that set the tone for the discussion that followed.

Ze'ev will be sorely missed by his colleagues at Haaretz, his other fellow journalists, and the Israeli public at large. We at INSS will miss both his journalistic commentaries and his sound advice on defense-related research.