As the former director of the Shin Bet, Israel's security agency responsible for counter-terrorism efforts, Admiral Ami Ayalon reflects on his life as a mirror to Israel's story: battles fought, losses and successes of a young country, and the importance of hope for shaping a new future. Ayalon is also a former Flotilla 13 (Israel's navy SEALs) commando, commander of the navy, cabinet minister, and Knesset member. He has received the Medal of Valor (Israel's highest military decoration).