Institute Establishes Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship

The Washington Institute's flagship effort to strengthen U.S.-Israel strategic ties will receive a major boost through a long-term gift by Florida philanthropist and civic leader Irwin Levy and his family, the research organization announced today.

In recognition of this generous commitment, the Institute has established the Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship.

"Irwin and his family have generously supported the Institute since its inception," said Institute executive director Dr. Robert Satloff. "Through this new gift, Irwin has ensured that the Levy family will be intimately connected to our organization for many years to come. We are proud to inaugurate this program to pay tribute to their far-sighted commitment."

A lawyer by training, throughout his career Mr. Levy has been an innovator in business, with a special emphasis on the real estate industry. Irwin and his family have been residents of Palm Beach County for decades and have been active, prominent leaders of local and international organizations.

"I believe that the United States must promote our values and support our allies around the world, especially in the Middle East," said Mr. Levy. "Washington Institute scholars have unique expertise to help policymakers navigate the complexities of this dangerous region. This is why I became one of the first supporters of the Institute thirty years ago, and why I am proud to make this enduring commitment today."

The Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship will support the Institute's extensive research and programming effort to bolster the bilateral partnership between Washington and Jerusalem. The organization has conducted innovative research, hosted prominent visiting experts, and sponsored news-making events on this critical subject which is a cornerstone of the Institute's research agenda.
Recent Institute publications include Israel: A Strategic Asset for the United States, a bipartisan study group report by former deputy national security advisor Robert D. Blackwill and former undersecretary of defense Walter B. Slocombe, and Asset Test: How the United States Benefits from Its Alliance with Israel by Institute senior fellows Michael Eisenstadt and David Pollock.

Over the years, the Institute has hosted as visiting fellows such influential Israeli military strategists as Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, and former defense minister Shaul Mofaz. Lt. Col. Alon Paz, IDF, is currently a visiting military fellow at the Institute.
Prominent Israeli defense affairs journalists Zeev Schiff and Ehud Yaari have served as Lafer international fellows. The annual lecture sponsored in memory of Mr. Schiff has featured leading Israeli military figures, including four past IDF chiefs of staff.

In addition, the Institute has sponsored a series of private dialogues for Israeli and American leaders to facilitate understanding and communication on a variety of bilateral and international issues, including the prevention of an Iranian nuclear weapon.