Global Impact: Never Again is Now – Reflecting on Holocaust Remembrance Day
Going For Greatness Show Episode #39
Why are certain countries misunderstood? How do we build unity?
I hopped into an Uber in Miami, and the driver, Hermes, turned out to be from Cuba. Our conversation veered into traffic issues, and Hermes couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Why is everyone so angry? People live in Miami, driving Audis, and are free. It's freedom here. I come from Cuba, where we had nothing and no food and lived in the dark in the dirt. I came to America without money, leaving my wife and kids behind. I work to send them money and keep them alive." Hermes then shared when a Navy Seal was his passenger. Despite his limited English, he used Google Translate to express his gratitude: "You're a Navy Seal. Thank you for protecting this amazing country of freedom and opportunity: America." As a gesture of appreciation, he even reversed the charges for the Navy Seal's ride. This amazed me. Then he said, "This is an amazing country," Hermes emphasized. "I can go fishing if I want, buy a hamburger - if I want. Why is everyone so angry to be in America?" His perspective was a powerful reminder of the privileges and freedoms we take for granted.
Hermes clearly understood there was no future for him in Cuba, and he was giddy about being able to live in America. Yet, many Americans dislike America today. Why don’t they see what Hermes does? Are many of us too used to plentiful food, strong wifi, heat, and Netflix? What would Hermes tell these Americans?
LISTEN HERE TO EPISODE 39, HOW ISRAEL CONTRIBUTES TO THE WORLD
Israel is likewise misunderstood — but in a slightly different way.
The nation is driven by a profound principle called Tikkun Olam, which translates to "repairing the world." With an impressive focus on innovation and technology, Israel strives to make tangible contributions that enhance global well-being. Yet, beneath this noble endeavor lies a subtle desire for acceptance, akin to a student vying for the approval of the schoolyard's popular kid.
Amid this complex narrative, recent events highlight the United Nations' contentious stance against Israel, exemplified by the case brought forward by South Africa. Curiously, amidst such debates, the world remains eerily silent on atrocities elsewhere, such as the tragic plight of Christians in Nigeria facing violence and persecution right now. This stark discrepancy begs the question: Why does the world often turn a blind eye to certain injustices while amplifying others? Answer: Antisemitism.
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PARTIAL LIST OF ISRAELI WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT CHANGE THE WAY YOU LIVE:
Intel Chips in iPhones, Drip Irrigation, Cherry Tomato, USB Flash Drive, Soda Stream, FaceID for Apple, MobileEye, PillCam, Smartphone dual lens technology, Intel 8088 microprocessor, Waze, Wix, Email Software, Laser keyboard, VoLP or voiceover protocol, Processors for chipsets, Thunderbolt technology, Viber, Umoove, OrCam MyEye, Operating systems for Windows XP and Windows NT, Many Medical Breakthroughs including the Flexible Stent, Pressure Bandage, Many drugs widely available saving lives around the globe today, Various Imaging, Feldenkrais Method, Krav Maga Self Defense, Chemistry discover of quasicrystals, Physics formulation of Black Holes Entropy, Optics world’s most miniature video camera, in defense Iron Dome, Arrow 3, David’s Sling, Iron Beam, Radar, In Energy the Super Iron Battery and the Worlds first gas turbine solar thermal power station, Consumer goods include Epilady shaver, Sabich sandwich, Art, and Music. There are many more and more to come.
Today, January 27th, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the 79th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation.
As the world's only Jewish state, Israel sits as the lone democracy in a sea of Middle East dictatorships. Co-existence between Arabs, Druze, Christians, Bedouins, and Jews exists in Israel. 20% of Israelis are Israeli Arabs. For example, approximately 12 members of the Israeli parliament are Arab.
Despite this tolerant society — or perhaps because of it — on October 7, Hamas killed more Jews than in any single day in those 79 years.
This brings me to episode #39 of the Going for Greatness Show: Global Problem Solvers. Tiny Israel's Pursuit of Understanding By Tackling the World's Problems—a Conversation with Israeli Ambassador Shemi Tzur.
Former Israeli Ambassador Shemi Tzur served in foreign lands around the globe, bringing Israel’s innovation and support to so many nations.
In this insightful 20-minute episode, Shemi shares stories of determination and generosity, the secret sauce behind Israel's significant impact on the global stage. And how Israel wants to be accepted as a nation for good in the world.
LISTEN HERE TO EPISODE 39, HOW ISRAEL CONTRIBUTES TO THE WORLD