INSS Hosts NYC Symposium with Leading US National Security Figures and White House Representative

The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) hosted a major policy program at the Harvard Club in New York on May 7, 2018, co-chaired by Chairman of the INSS Board of Directors Sir Frank Lowy and INSS Director Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin. In his opening remarks, Sir Frank spoke of the challenges faced by research institutes, including the need “to observe well, identify early, analyze deeply, recommend wisely, and deliver effectively, always seeking impact and relevance.” He continued, “Tonight we have a rare opportunity to learn together about the main crises facing Israel and the US: Israel and Iran on the verge of conflict in Syria; JCPOA, the quest for Israeli-Palestinian peace; and the ongoing Korean challenge.”

Jonathon Jacobson of Boston, Chairman of the INSS International Board of Trustees, spoke passionately about the critical work conducted by INSS. “INSS seems to get it right, rising to the occasion, sticking to facts and truth, rejuvenating itself, and so, successfully impacts both in Israel and abroad.”

Gen. Yadlin presented the INSS assessment concerning “explosive May,” and pointed to the volatility of the situation in Iran, Syria, Gaza, and Jerusalem. This was followed by an off-the-record interview between Gen. Yadlin and Jason D. Greenblatt, Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations. Mr. Greenblatt—who also gave a keynote address at the Institute’s annual conference in Tel Aviv in January 2018—thanked INSS and stated that the "ultimate deal" is almost complete, and the administration would find the appropriate time to present it. Mr. Greenblatt noted that he has met with Gen. Yadlin a number of times since he assumed his post, and stated that the Institute and its research products have been extremely useful throughout the learning and planning process.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, currently a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at INSS, joined a panel discussion with leading American national security experts, including former White House advisor and Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert and former senior CIA officer Norman Roule.

Many longtime Institute supporters were in attendance, including leading philanthropists Charles Bronfman, Jacob Goldfield, Sidney Lapidus, Ronald Lauder, Terry Kassel, Robin Neustein, Marcia Riklis, Lynn Schusterman and Vice Chairman of the International Board of Trustees Jeffrey Silverman. Other strong supporters and former officials and Jewish community leaders, including Ambassador Martin Indyk and Abe Foxman, also attended.

Joining Gen. Yadlin in the US was COO Orly Hayardeny, and INSS Senior Fellows BG (res.) Assaf Orion and Adv. Gilead Sher.

During this visit, Gen. Yadlin also traveled to Washington, D.C. where he met with top U.S. government officials at the White House, State Department, and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, and senior figures in the Intelligence community.

“In my experience, there is no substitute for spending quality time, face-to-face, with decision makers, not only to exchange ideas, but also to deliver our policy prescriptions and recommendations,” said Gen. Yadlin, adding, “It is a testament to the Institute’s reputation that virtually every door is open before us— Republican and Democrat—in the one world capital that matters most to Israel and the Jewish people: Washington, D.C.”