Washington Institute Names Miri Belsky Regional Director, Western States

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Miri Belsky of Los Angeles has been named The Washington Institute's Regional Director, Western States, the research organization announced today. She will lead the Institute's efforts throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, and the broader region.

"I am thrilled that a professional as accomplished as Miri has joined the Institute," said Dr. Robert Satloff, Institute Executive Director and Howard P. Berkowitz Chair in U.S. Middle East Policy. "Miri's outstanding resume and experience engaging stakeholders passionate about Middle East issues will enhance our efforts in the Western United States."

Before joining the Institute, Belsky, formerly Katz, served as deputy CEO of the Los Angeles-based Israeli-American Council throughout the organization's dramatic growth from one office on the West Coast to ten nationwide in the span of two years. Previously, Belsky served as director of national initiatives in public diplomacy for the Embassy of Israel in Washington, working closely with then-Israeli ambassador Michael Oren and other senior diplomats. Before joining the embassy, she established the first government affairs desk at Israel's consulate in San Francisco.

"I have followed the crucial work of the Washington Institute for many years and I am thrilled to participate in its mission," said Belsky. "I look forward to bringing the Institute's unmatched insight, wisdom, and expertise on critical issues in the Middle East from the heart of Washington, DC, to the western United States to engage current and new supporters of the organization."

Belsky received her bachelor's degree in cognitive neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego and completed coursework on Israeli foreign policy and Jewish history at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, Israel. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, Jason.

Founded in 1985 by Barbi Weinberg of Los Angeles, the Institute has deep roots in the Western states. In addition to Chairman Emerita Weinberg, current Board of Directors members include  Peter Lowy, Benjamin Breslauer, and Richard Borow of Los Angeles, and Moses Libitzky of San Francisco.

About the Washington Institute: The Washington Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institution funded exclusively by U.S. citizens that seeks to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them. Drawing on the research of its fellows and the experience of its policy practitioners, the Institute promotes informed debate and scholarly research on U.S. policy in the region.

Media Contact: Ian Byrne, 202-452-0650, press@washingtoninstitute.org