Jerusalem, 23 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The Leadership Institute, a prominent U.S.-based conservative training organization, officially launched its first branch outside the United States in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
The event was hosted by Israel’s Civil Society Forum and the Kohelet Policy Forum at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem.
“We are greatly honored that the Leadership Institute has chosen Israel – and Kohelet Forum – as the home for its first branch outside the United States,” said Kohelet chairman Prof. Moshe Koppel. “This historic partnership reflects the Institute’s trust in the vitality of Israeli civil society and our shared commitment to train leaders who advance freedom, opportunity, and true democracy. We are privileged to work alongside one of the most respected institutions in the conservative movement in empowering the next generation of Israeli leaders.”
The day-long program included intensive training sessions for approximately 150 civil society activists from across Israel, culminating in an evening launch ceremony attended by representatives of the American organization, public officials, social activists, and members of the press.
Founded in 1979 by Morton Blackwell, the Leadership Institute is a leading U.S. conservative training organization that recruits, trains, and places activists in politics, government, and media. Its programs – such as the Campaign Leadership College and Youth Leadership School – teach leadership, communication, and political strategy skills, producing thousands of students and young leaders who advocate for free enterprise, limited government, and national defense.
Kohelet is an Israeli think tank that develops and promotes policy solutions based on free-market principles, individual responsibility, and limited government. The Civil Society Forum promotes grassroots civic activism, public engagement, social responsibility, and the development of community leaders. Both are based in Jerusalem.
“The decision to establish the Institute’s first branch outside the United States in Israel is a powerful expression of confidence in Israel and a testament to the strong bond between the American people and the people of Israel,” said Adi Arbel, director of the Civil Society Forum. She noted that the three organizations have collaborated on various initiatives since 2018.
Ministers Amichai Shikli and Orit Strock, alongside Knesset members Amit Halevi, Simcha Rothman, Ohad Tal, Ariel Kellner, and Avichai Boaron, praised the initiative. They underscored the importance of strengthening ties with conservative pro-Israel groups abroad and expressed gratitude to the Leadership Institute’s leadership for its commitment to developing Israeli civil society.
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