Rabbi Itshak Levi: “The wealth of research at IDI has the capacity to advance and strengthen Israeli democracy. The first-rate studies of the IDI researchers can contribute much to the quality of government in Israel, to the quality of life of Israeli citizens, and to the assimilation of democratic values in Israeli society.”
Launched in late 2009, IDI’s Policy Implementation project is a new organizational branch dedicated to deepening the impact of IDI’s work on the Israeli body politic by bringing the fruits of the Institute’s research to the attention of Israeli policy-makers. This new project will strengthen the practical aspect of IDI’s activities and reinforce the Institute’s reputation and capacity as a “Do-Tank.” This new project is directed by Rabbi Itshak Levi, a veteran Knesset member and cabinet member from the National Religious Party and the National Unity (Halchud HaLeumi) Party.
Arye Carmon, IDI President, said in response to Rabbi Levy’s acceptance of the new position: “I am delighted that Rabbi Levy has agreed to take upon himself this important new responsibility. Rabbi Levy brings an extraordinary wealth of policy experience to the position, and I can think of no single individual in the State of Israel more qualified to lead IDI’s government relations than him. A think tank is measured by its capacity to translate ideas into measurable change, and I am proud of our decision to invest even more effort into deepening our impact on the Israeli body politic.”
The project staff will work in close cooperation with IDI fellows to plan and execute practical implementation strategies for the proposals and reforms at the top of the Institute’s agenda. The team will focus on the following efforts:
- To promote the development of practical policy recommendations in all of IDI’s research divisions
- To develop implementation strategies designed to enhance the probability of realizing the goals of IDI projects
- To coordinate IDI’s work in the Knesset committees and government ministries
- To instill the importance of IDI’s work among elected officials, civil servants and opinion leaders