Dear Partners and Friends,

The period of Israel’s national high holidays is usually a time of both sorrow and pride. The grief and mourning that characterize Memorial Day are quickly overcome by our pride in the remarkable achievements of Israeli statehood. This transition is the essence of the Israeli-Jewish story. This year, our sorrow overshadows our joy and pride. Over 760 soldiers have been added to the ranks of the IDF’s fallen, and more than 1,200 civilians and soldiers were slaughtered in the October 7 massacre, as the State failed in its supreme mission of protecting its citizens. These feelings of loss will hover like a black cloud over a country in mourning, as we pay respect to our fallen loved ones.

This year, there will be no sharp transition from grief to joy at the end of Memorial Day. Instead, alongside the deep sadness that will continue to accompany us, we will also make room to recognize the wonderful miracle that is the State of Israel. Gradually, as we turn from remembering our finest sons and daughters who laid down their lives for us, we will allow space for longing for a better future, and for the hope that their sacrifice was not in vain.

With all of this, 132 hostages—a child and an infant, seniors, women, men, male and female soldiers—still remain very far from us in Gaza. It is our human and moral duty to do everything in our power to bring them back quickly. They will be deep in our hearts during these national holidays. 

Israel’s existence in the Middle East is enabled by its strength and power. We are currently at a historical crossroads, which illustrates the importance and necessity of fortifying this position that will allow us to strive for peace, manage risks in the face of threats, and strike our enemy with determination—whenever it dares to endanger our security. The October 7 failure and ensuing trauma has damaged Israel’s sense of security and has caused deep confusion for many citizens. This situation could drive the government of Israel to adopt a fear-based security policy dictated by trauma rather than by the wisdom of strategic statecraft. Such a policy could result in Israel’s isolation from the western world and friendly Middle Eastern countries, relying solely on its own internal capabilities.

The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) formulates and helps to implement national security policies that ensure Israel’s prosperity and very existence in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and its values. Now more than ever, Israel’s national security decision makers require actionable recommendations based on professional, reliable, cool-headed analysis to guide Israel toward a better future. If we have learned anything during the last seven months, it is that wisdom is not confined to any one place and that a multiplicity of opinions, rooted in different beliefs and perspectives, is paramount.

Defeat on the battlefield engenders a desire to abandon everything and flee, but deserters cannot stop failure. Standing your ground and facing the challenge may feel like the more challenging choice, but it is the one we have chosen at INSS. We believe that the State of Israel requires an independent, professional security policy research center, dedicated to assisting in implementing the values upon which the State was found. We do not have the luxury of giving up. We will continue to work with uncompromising integrity to ensure the prosperity and security of our country.

We at INSS embrace the bereaved families, send wishes for a full recovery to those physically and emotionally wounded, and call for the speedy return of our hostages. Deeds, not words, have the power to bring comfort to the mourning, support the wounded, and bring back our hostages. May we prove worthy of their sacrifices.

Dear friends, thank you for your partnership and solidarity on this difficult journey, always and particularly today.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman,

Executive Director