Teacher, researcher and Zionist prophet: On the significant influence of the late Prof. Arnon Sofer

Prof. Arnon Sofer, who passed away last week, was a geographer and academic who left a significant mark on Israel's security. The article, by Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen, reviews his wide-ranging work: identifying demographic and geographic trends, initiating settlement and infrastructure projects, and warning of future dangers. Sofer acted as an influence agent for shaping policy, combining the roles of teacher, researcher and prophet. The article describes Sofer's contribution to the lookout settlement project in the Galilee, Ariel Sharon's initiative for the star settlements along the seam line, the construction of the separation barrier in Judea and Samaria, and the building of the fence on the Egyptian border. He was also involved in state authorities' considerations in building major infrastructure, such as the electricity grid. Sofer warned of the danger of losing the Jewish majority in the State of Israel due to demographic trends, and of the concentration of the population in the "State of Tel Aviv" while neglecting the Galilee and the Negev. In his research, Sofer identified the causes of the outbreak of the Syrian civil war about two years before it erupted, and warned of the potential for regional disaster stemming from the Turkish dam project. He also enlisted in the struggle to protect Israeli agriculture, which he defined as "a cornerstone of Israel's security." The article, written from the personal perspective of one who commanded the National Security College, praises Sofer as a personal teacher and friend who knew how to respect disagreements.