The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA) successfully ran its 2026 Summer Internship Program, providing 20 aspiring scholars and policy professionals with an immersive experience in strategic studies, national security, and international relations. The program brought together talented undergraduate and graduate students for an intensive summer of academic engagement, professional development, and practical research. Participants benefited from lectures and discussions with leading scholars and security experts, individual mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to BESA’s ongoing research activities. The program also featured educational visits to key Israeli institutions and strategic sites, including the Gaza Envelope, the Knesset, and the National Library. These experiences offered participants a firsthand understanding of Israel’s security challenges and the complexities of regional and international affairs.
Beyond its educational value, the Summer Internship Program represents an important investment in BESA’s long-term mission and in developing the next generation of strategic thinkers knowledgeable about Israel’s security and regional cooperation challenges. As a central component of the program, each intern conducted original research and authored a 1,500–2,000-word policy-oriented paper, known as an “Intern Insight,” published on BESA’s website. Under the mentorship of BESA scholars, interns prepared these papers, gaining practical experience in independent research, analytical writing, and communicating their findings to a wider audience. The program also strengthened relationships among participants, researchers, and the wider strategic studies community, laying the groundwork for an expanding network of BESA alumni. By connecting promising young scholars with experienced researchers and exposing them to the realities of Israeli national security, BESA is cultivating future leaders, analysts, and advocates who can contribute to informed public debate and sound policymaking. The program’s continued success demonstrates how donor support for BESA delivers lasting educational and professional benefits while extending the Center’s influence to a new generation.
