National Security Trip to Israel
FDD’s National Security Trip to Israel is a seven-day intensive national security themed trip for DC-based mid-career US national security practitioners. Throughout the week, trip participants will travel around Israel to participate in high-level meetings with government officials, current and former Israeli and American national security decision makers; journalists; military officials; and a folks in the private sector. These in-depth conversations will be supplemented by experiential exercises, including visits to elite military installations and the high-tech sector. Upon completion of the trip, participants become members of FDD’s National Security Network.
FDD, a Washington, DC-based think tank, organizes an annual National Security Trip to Israel for mid-career US national security practitioners. The next trip will take place October 11-19, 2023. This trip is part of FDD’s National Security Trip to Israel, launched in 2011, which has brought over 300 U.S. national security practitioners to Israel for a week of high-level meetings and experiential visits.
Israel is a leader in the development of national security strategy and innovative military tactics. Throughout the week, trip participants will travel around Israel to participate in meetings with high-level Israeli, Palestinian and American decision-makers, experiential visits to exclusive military installations, such as the Iron Dome and replicas of Hamas tunnels and will participate in hands-on training exercises. Participants will leave the trip with a nuanced understanding of regional challenges and the practical skills to counter 21st century security threats.
The selected participants will be accompanied by FDD experts throughout the trip. Upon completion of the trip, participants will become members of FDD’s National Security Network, a mid-career professionals group comprised of nearly 600 mid-career national security practitioners who have completed FDD’s National Security Fellows Program (NSFP), Media Fellows Program, the National Security Trip to Israel and/or the Military Trip to Israel. Throughout the year, participants are provided with exclusive invitations to policy-related events, opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship to advance their careers in national security.
FDD will cover the cost of roundtrip airfare between Newark and Tel Aviv, hotel room accommodations, at least two meals per day, and transportation on the ground in Israel.
Trip Eligibility:
- U.S. Citizens
- Based in the greater-Washington DC area (strong preference, but this may be waived in some circumstances)
- Between the ages of 30-45
- A minimum of seven years of employment in national security or foreign policy
- Participate in a pre-trip and post-trip session in FDD’s DC-based office
Notify me when applications for FDD’s National Security Trip to Israel open
If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Walsh at [email protected]