The complex security dynamics of Israel, along with the diverse fabric of Israeli society, require expert representation to ensure that the country thrives and is successful in defending itself from all threats.
Two individuals stand at the frontlines of this essential role of representation, voicing the needs of both the country and its people: Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Amir Avivi – founder and chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF) – and Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut Mayor Haim Bibas – chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel (FLAI).
Amir Avivi
Amir Avivi is a fierce advocate for the country’s security. Through the IDSF movement, he and over 35,000 reserve officers and operatives from all branches of Israel’s security forces work to ensure that Israel’s diverse and complex needs are represented effectively.
The movement covers all grounds in voicing security concerns. It conducts research, utilizes mainstream and social media, teaches in academic institutions, and shares security experience and research findings with policymakers.
In addition to founding IDSF in 2020 and continuing to chair it, Avivi speaks publicly on the various security matters and defense challenges that Israel faces. Prior to founding IDFS, Avivi held a series of senior roles in the IDF.
Haim Bibas
Bibas ensures that the needs of the diverse population of Israeli citizens and their local authorities are voiced to the government and Knesset, through his work as chair of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel.
FLAI is a national umbrella organization that represents all municipalities and local councils across the country. Bibas has been chair of the organization since 2014, elected by the majority of Israeli mayors.
The organization unites 259 local authorities comprising Jewish, Arab, Druze, Circassian, secular, and ultra-Orthodox communities. Fifty-four regional councils also work in full partnership with the federation.
Bibas has worked to improve collaboration and cooperation among this wide web of communities. The organization aims to address the needs of the various groups in the vital aspects of daily life, such as education, welfare, culture, youth, budgets, transport, planning, and construction.
Bibas expressed the importance of Israel’s municipalities during and after the October 7 Hamas attack, in a July speech at The Jerusalem Post Annual Conference.
“When the attacks happened and our government struggled to act quickly, we were on the ground in every Israeli town and city,” he said. “Cities took emergency measures, both in terms of preparation and in dealing with the current challenges.”
Bibas also noted the important role of municipalities in providing a sense of security after October 7, saying that following the attacks, “The people lost trust in the government, but they trusted their local municipalities and mayors. They trusted us because we provided their needs.”
He is currently serving his third term as mayor of Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut. During his time in the position, he has advanced the school system, and the city has continued to significantly increase in population.
Both Avivi and Bibas are vital voices for Israel’s security and its diverse population, ensuring that the country has representation on all fronts.
No. 45: Powerful voices defending Israel on the global stage >>