Tel Aviv, 27 September 1997
I address you today on a matter of great
concern to many in Israel, especially during these turbulent times when
our future as a sovereign and independent Jewish State is in jeopardy.
I am frequently asked by friends around the world what they can do to help
alter the course Israel has been forced into since the signing of the Oslo
Accords four years ago, almost to the day.
After devoting much thought to the subject,
I came to realize that we have very few options available to us. We should
attempt to influence future events certain to impact on our security and
survival in our ancient homeland, by voicing alternative views and opinions
as loudly and as widely as possible. Those views should be based on serious,
in-depth academic research and creative thinking which will suggest innovative
and bold new avenues of approach to the crucial issues on our immediate
agenda.
It is for this purpose that we have now
established an academic research center, The Ariel
Center for Policy Research. This
center is headed by well-known figures, Israelis and non-Israelis, scholars
and former military experts. This institute will conduct comprehensive
research into many vital security issues facing Israel today. It will also
analyze imminent threats to the security and stability of other democracies
around the world. In today's international environment there is a dire
need for such a unique institute based in Israel. Being itself a prime
target for hostile acts from its neighbors for many decades, Israel has,
unfortunately, been forced to accumulate vast knowledge and experience
in this field. Thus, the Center will be able to draw on the best sources
and experts in the world on a wide range of security issues.
Yitzhak Shamir
