The Israel Council on Foreign Relations (ICFR) is a non-partisan forum for the study and debate of foreign policy operating under the auspices of the World Jewish Congress. It is a multidisciplinary institution, established on the model of the New York Council on Foreign Relations and the British Chatham House. It aspires to stimulate public awareness of world events and insightful discussion of foreign policy issues, particularly regarding Israel, international Jewish affairs and the Middle East, and serves as a forum for the exchange of perspectives in the diplomatic, academic, and media communities. The ICFR cooperates with other councils or institutes of international affairs in various parts of the world.
The ICFR concentrates on three main activities:
• Publication, in cooperation with the UK-based Taylor & Francis/Routledge, of the highly-acclaimed The Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, which appears three times per annum. The journal attracts the writings of many of the best-known practitioners and scholars in the field of foreign affairs from Israel and abroad. It is available in both print and digital formats.
• Symposia and public and closed-door lectures with Israeli and visiting foreign scholars, statesmen and other dignitaries. Over the years, the Council has become a favored platform for such guests, who wish to present their views to a distinguished audience.
• The Young Diplomats Forum, which enables young (under 40 years of age) Israeli diplomats and their foreign counterparts currently posted in Israel to enhance their knowledge of, and exchange ideas on, issues of common interest. It also affords participants an unparalleled networking opportunity.
President: Dan Meridor
Director: Dr. Laurence Weinbaum
Associate Director: Yvette Shumacher
