First Herzliya Conference
The First Herzliya Conference took place on 20-22 December 2000 at the Dan Accadia Hotel, Herzliya, Israel.[1][2] It was organized by the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya with sponsorship from the Israeli Ministry of Defence among others.[2]
The event included the inauguration of the Lauder School of Government, Policy and Diplomacy.[2]
The Jerusalem Post reported the following comments by Uzi Arad on the conference:
- "Many people not prone to hyperbole started expressing doubts regarding Israel's staying power. Once we noted it was prevalent, we decided to try to do something about it," he said.
- Among the cracks in Israel's national security are the current political gridlock, the divisions in society, the loss of nerve and sense of purpose among citizens, the erosion of patriotism, the fear that the technical pillars on which Israeli society rests are not as secure as believed, and the concern that Israel's human capital is regressing, Arad said.
- "We all had serious concerns regarding the fundamental issues that threaten our very existence," Arad said. "The philosophy of the conference is one of self-assessment."[2]
Speakers
Speakers included then Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Likud leader Ariel Sharon, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mossad head Ephraim Halevy and top IDF commanders.[2]
