Shimon Refaeli

Shimon Refaeli serves as Deputy Head of the IDSF Policy Institute and plays a central role in leading its research and policy work and in advancing initiatives that strengthen Israel's standing in the regional and international arena. In this role he promotes the Institute's work among decision makers, the diplomatic community and opinion shapers through briefings, lectures and research that informs influential policy discussions. He gained his experience in key positions within Israel's diplomatic and security establishment, including Policy Advisor to former Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and a staff member at the National Security Council, where he worked on national security strategy, Israel's foreign relations and the analysis of geopolitical trends. Refaeli is the founder and host of the podcast "Masa Bein Ra'ayonot" (A Journey Between Ideas), which explores philosophy, history and policy issues in foreign relations, antisemitism and national security. He lectures in Israel and around the world to diplomats, community leaders and members of the media on Jewish history, antisemitism, Israeli sovereignty and regional strategy. He began his path in the Haredi yeshiva world, a background that shaped his historical perspective on the Jewish people and the State of Israel, before going on to military service and roles in government and security.