Shimon Refaeli serves at the David Institute as a researcher focused on bridging strategic research with practical policy design, relying on his experience as a political advisor to the former Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, as well as his work at the National Security Council. His work includes developing a research and communication infrastructure on modern antisemitism, Israel–Diaspora relations, and the consciousness arena, alongside strengthening the institute’s presence in centers of influence through briefings, lectures, and connecting research to policy discussions with direct impact.

In his role at the National Security Council and as an advisor to Minister Dermer, Refaeli dealt with core issues of national security, the struggle on the international stage, and advancing Israel–United States relations. In this framework, he analyzed geopolitical trends and the strategic challenges facing the State of Israel in the 21st century.

Rafaeli is the founder and host of the podcast " *Journey Through Ideas,* " which addresses in-depth ideas concerning the challenges facing the State of Israel and the Jewish people in the 21st century: foreign and domestic policy, antisemitism, national security, and global transformations. On the podcast, he hosts ambassadors, diplomats, and senior public figures, combining broad conceptual thinking with practical political analysis as a basis for shaping Israel’s future.

In addition to his research activity, Shimon Refaeli lectures in Israel and around the world to diplomats, community leaders, and senior media figures on topics such as Jewish history, antisemitism, Israeli sovereignty, regional strategy, and the struggle for Israel’s rights on the international stage. He has participated in international conferences and published articles on security and national identity in leading magazines in Israel and the United States.

Shimon Refaeli brings to the David Institute a rare combination of deep familiarity with the Haredi world and the political-security establishment. He began his path in the Haredi yeshiva world, where he studied in prestigious and well-known institutions, a background that shaped his historical and conceptual perspective regarding the Jewish people and the State of Israel. He subsequently served in significant military service.