JINSA National Security Fellowship 2026

Program Description:

The Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) is launching a National Security Fellowship for mid-career professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in the U.S.–Israel strategic partnership, the challenges and opportunities presented by an evolving Middle East, and U.S. national security issues more broadly. This selective fellowship is designed for experienced congressional staffers, active-duty military officers, and Washington-based professionals from policy-adjacent fields who are seeking sustained, high-level exposure to JINSA’s policy portfolio, senior leadership, and network of experts.

The fellowship will consist of monthly dinner sessions from March to December 2026 at JINSA’s D.C. headquarters featuring a rotating series of briefings and discussions. Sessions will be led by JINSA senior staff, retired U.S. flag officers and former ambassadors, and leading national security practitioners. Fellows are also given the opportunity to apply for JINSA’s Congressional National Security Program to Israel or U.S. Military Leaders Program respectively, depending on their background.

Who should apply:

• JINSA is seeking mid-career professionals (minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience) who are active in national security–related roles and motivated to expand their substantive grounding, professional network, and engagement with U.S. national security issues in the Middle East, including:
• Congressional Staffers: Professional staff or legislative aides working on national security, defense, intelligence, or foreign policy portfolios. Experience with Armed Services or Foreign Affairs Committees a plus.
• Active-Duty Military Officers: Officers with operational, strategic, or staff experience and an interest in civil–military relations and alliance management.
• Other D.C.-Based Professionals: Professionals working in think tanks, academia, or journalism with backgrounds in national security, defense, foreign policy, or Middle East affairs.

What you’ll gain:

• Regular, off-the-record engagement with JINSA’s leadership, retired flag officers, and former senior policymakers.
• A structured curriculum covering topics like the evolving Iran threat, Israeli security in a post-10/7 world, China’s role in the Middle East, and more.
• Cohort-based relationships spanning Congress, the U.S. military, and Washington’s national security community designed to persist beyond the fellowship year.
• A selective fellowship credential to strengthen your professional profile and future career opportunities.

To apply:
Email resume and a half-page statement of interest (~300 words) to JINSA Government Affairs Associate Eric Zalcman at ezalcman@jinsa.org with the JINSA National Security Fellowship in the subject line. (No phone calls, please.)