Arab Mensch & 10,000

The Arab Mensch (Yiddish, a person of integrity and honor)

Most people today automatically ascribe an innate bitterness between Muslims and Jews. While that’s certainly the truth to some extent, it’s not a universal sentiment.

In fact, what if I told you there was once an Arab king who risked his own life to protect the Jewish people of his country?

When the Nazis conquered France in 1940, they along with their installed French puppet regime assumed control of the French Empire.

Part of that empire included the Kingdom of Morocco, headed by the Sultan and later King - Mohammad V.

At the time, Morocco was home to over a quarter of a million Jews. Jews were involved in all parts of the Moroccan economy and culture, including positions in the royal court.

As the Sultan was pressed by the Nazis to enforce the same discriminatory practices at work in Europe, he replied as only a King could:

“There are no Jews in Morocco,” he declared. “There are only Moroccan subjects.”

While under immense pressure from the Nazis, Mohammad V is directly responsible for the fact that a Jewish person was never made to wear the infamous golden star in Morocco. Not one Jew was ever deported or killed.

Even as the establishment of the State of Israel enraged the Arab world in 1948, Mohammad V again called for all Moroccans to respect the Jewish people.

To this day, he is honored by the Jewish people. We can only hope that the rest of the world will follow his example.

10,000

A few hours before the end of 2024, I received an honor on behalf of you, the readers.

Ten-thousand followers on Instagram.

At the beginning of my adventures in Africa back in July of last year, my following was around three-hundred. I have continued to dedicate tremendous time, money, and energy towards the refinement of my content.

Indeed, I have a long way to go; both in the quality of the content I produce, and the scope of the impact I am dedicated to make.

When I see the following reach ten-thousand, of course there is an invariable sense of accomplishment. The true roots of my joy in that milestone are not in the vanity and egoism one might assume.

So what does a large following mean to me?

Opportunity.

To visit wildlife conservation initiatives around the world, making content that raises awareness and funds.

To produce speaking, coaching, and writing avenues where I can help people live the incredible lives they want.

To open conversations about brand partnerships that allow me to promote companies I truly believe in.

To birth businesses that support myself sufficiently to dedicate all my time and energy towards my true passions.

To inspire more people - to book the flight, make the phone call, quit the job, get in the car.

More is not always better… but sometimes, it is.

Sincerely,

Jacob

P.S. I was born in 1995… how time is flying.