The idea for the Center was originally proposed by Reuven Shiloah, who was the first director of the Mossad, who wished to create in Israel an organization along the lines of the Chatham House in Great Britain. Following Shiloah's death, Teddy Kollek, who was then director-general of the Prime Minister's Office (and who later became the Mayor of Jerusalem), suggested that the new institution bear Shiloah's name.
The idea for the Center was initially proposed by Reuven Shiloah, who envisioned an organization in Israel similar to the Chatham House in Great Britain. Following Shiloah's death, Teddy Kollek, then chief administrative officer of the Prime Minister's Office and later Jerusalem Mayor, suggested that the new institution be named after Shiloah.