IDF MG (ret.) Yaacov Ayish is the Julian and Jenny Josephson Senior Vice President for Israeli Affairs at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). General Ayish served in the IDF for 36 years and retired in 2016,…
Brian collaboratively guides corporate strategy, product, and business development in Shield AI, Inc. Brian transitioned from 33 years of service in the U.S. Navy and Special Operations community in 2016. He commanded U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, U.S. Special Operations…
Mr. Henry “Butch” A. Kievenaar, III is a 1985 Distinguished Military Graduate from George Mason University and was commissioned in Armor. He later received a Master’s degree in Military Arts and Sciences. His professional military education includes the Armor Officer…
General David M. Rodriguez served over 40 years in the United States Army with his final assignment being the Commander of the United States Africa Command. A native of West Chester Pennsylvania, he earned his commission from the United States…
Lieutenant General John “Jocko” Toolan Jr. served as the Commander, Marine Forces Pacific, from August 2014 until August 2016. He retired from active duty on 1 October 2016 and participated in JINSA’s Generals and Admirals Program to the Middle East…
Yaniv Menahem is the Jewish Institute for National Security of America’s (JINSA) Director for Middle East Operations, a position he has held since March 2025. He previously served as JINSA’s Middle East Operations Manager from April 2018. Prior to his…
Ari Cicurel has been Associate Director of Foreign Policy at JINSA since January 2025. His prior roles at JINSA include as Assistant Director of Foreign Policy from 2023-2025, Senior Policy Analyst from 2020-2023, and Policy Analyst from September 2018-January 2020.…
Lt General Trask served 33 years in the US Air Force, retiring as the Vice Commander of United States Special Operations Command. Tom is a defense and security consultant in the Washington DC area, providing full-service consulting focused on defense…
Leo Nayfeld joined JINSA in 2014 and serves as the organization’s managing director. Prior to joining JINSA, Leo spent time at two prominent think tanks in Washington, in Congress, and at various other organizations. A native of Cincinnati, he holds…
