Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Michael B. Oren, gave a series of uplifting and enlightening words to this year’s graduating class at Brandeis University this past Sunday. The full text of his commencement speech appears below.
Brandeis University Commencement Address
May 23, 2010
Dr. Michael B. Oren
Ambassador of Israel
People—young people especially—seem fascinated with the fact that I was a paratrooper. “Cool,” they say, “How many times did you jump?” But invariably I disappoint them. “I rarely jumped,” I say. “Most times, two large gentlemen on either side of the door pushed me out.”
You, too, now stand at the door—outside the darkness is howling, you’re far from the ground with a chute that you hope will properly open. At such anxious times, it helps to think back and remember the transformative moments in your life—we all have them—that inspired or motivated you and animated your dreams. A transformative moment, perhaps, brought to you to this open door you’re about to exit. continue reading…
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