I was invited to TEDx Tel Aviv and didn’t know what to expect. What an eye-opener it was! What could be so surprising at a conference hosting prominent speakers and an audience who came mostly to mingle and in part to listen to the content?
Everything was different and unique. The venue that was chosen for the conference was the “Na Lagaat” [Please Touch] Theatre, the only theatre in the world in which the actors are deaf-blind. The theatre site is a renovated building in the Jaffa port, headed by theatre innovator Adina Tal, one of the most interesting leaders and social entrepreneurs I have ever met. What fun and how meaningful it was to request a latte in sign language from the deaf waiters.
As I drank my coffee, a woman whom I didn’t know came up to me smiling and asked how I was doing. I smiled back, and strained my brain trying to remember where I knew her from. It quickly became apparent that I didn’t know her at all, and yet, she had approached me because that’s what they do here. We quickly found that we had a lot in common, and the conversation flowed. I realized that I didn’t have to be shy here, that it would be an utter waste of time talking to people whom I already know, although much safer and more comfortable.
I started approaching people who looked available, and thus I ended up speaking with the CEO of a large cellular company, with a world renowned Israeli artist, whose work I admire, with a conductor and a lecturer on leadership, with the founder of a well known dance troupe, and with many interesting and colorful people who are less well known. Suddenly it seemed a pity that we were invited into the auditorium for the official program to begin.
I went in and sat next to one of my new acquaintances from the talks in the lobby. The theatre was attractive and elaborate; the stage was designed like the living-room in someone’s home, with a comfortable armchair, a large wooden globe and a warm rug. I felt as though someone had put a lot of thought and effort into the design, right down to the smallest details. The lights were dimmed, the sound was huge and impressive, and the hosts of the event, who were also the organizers and producers, took the stage. Beautiful people with sparkling eyes, a lot of excitement and a sense that something very big was about to happen here.
The event was broadcast live over the Internet to many locations in Israel and abroad, so those of us in the auditorium sensed that we were in a place that is affecting the world and being affected. A thrilling sense of power and meaning.
The first speech was by the principal of the Bialik-Rogozin School, Karen Tal. The school is an educational campus serving the children of Tel Aviv’s foreign workers, and other children from disadvantaged families. The school, which was in danger of closing down 5 years ago, now attains success rates above the national matriculation average, and the successes are not only seen through the grades, but rather in the commitment and love that the children receive from the staff. The story illustrates the importance of trustworthy and enthusiastic leadership, against all odds. At the end of the lecture, and coming as a complete surprise, the children’s’ choir came onstage, singing two songs in sharp, clear voices that didn’t leave a dry eye in the audience.
The next presentation was by Shimon Steinberg, an internationally renowned entomologist, who developed a method for biological pest control. The method distinguishes between “bad” bugs which are harmful to plants and destroy crops, and “beneficial” bugs which kill the bad guys without damaging the plants. It was amazing to see how the “beneficial” bugs ruthlessly exterminated the bad guys, and all this naturally and without chemicals.
This story made me think: What are the “bad bugs” in my life? (fears? Emails? Schedules which are too tight?) And how can I eliminate them by means of “beneficial bugs”? I was left pondering this question while in the background I listened to more brilliant lectures about image processing (Ariel Shamir), the psychology behind auctions (Yair Tauman) – and then…
Then a grand woman, Hedy Schleifer, took the stage to talk about “The Power of Human Relationships”. From the moment she got on stage it was clear that standing before us was an enlightened woman, connected to herself and to her emotions. As if with the wave of a magic wand, she transformed the space between her and us (the audience in the auditorium and the audiences around the world) so it became uncontaminated and more connected. She reminded us to take responsibility for our lives, our loves and in paying attention to others. It sounded so simple that I believed her, and as soon as I started listening to her (and not just hearing her) the “bad bugs” started dying inside of me. Thank you, Hedy.
It was an editorial feat by the organizers to put Asaf Avidan, the singer, right after Hedi. I never knew him before, I saw a youth of about 23 taking the stage in his undershirt, with his guitar, what could possibly be? As soon as the man opened his mouth – the sound that came out was unbelievable: clear, high, penetrating, true, real and brave. This is a man who is not afraid of himself, and therefore he is not afraid to be himself. While listening to him, more “bad bugs died. Tomorrow I’m buying a CD. Real psychological extermination.
That’s it for the first installment of TED, and if you want – I’ll be happy to write the second part – just show me a sign because it takes me time and effort and I want to know that someone is reading….
Danny Gal
http://telaviv.the-hub.net/public/members__about-danny-gal.html
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