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Stephen Rosenthal

ByStephen Rosenthal, Stephen Rosenthal

Opinion

The heroes among us

You rarely see an emergency worker receiving public acclaim, but just because they’re not looking for it, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give it, says Stephen Rosenthal

June 22, 2017 09:45
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2 min read

Two completely contrasting events of the past few days — the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the Queen’s birthday honours list — both highlighted to me the broad spectrum of amazing people that make us all collectively better.

We’re blessed in our community to be disproportionately over-represented in the recognition stakes. For our number, the roll call of knights, dames, M/O/CBEs and every other conceivable gong out there is staggering.

We punch well above our weight, and not just statistically. Our typical “for services to…” citations usually reference the most stratospheric academic, medical, diplomatic, cultural and philanthropic contributions imaginable.

Within our value system of tikkun olam, it makes sense that these are our talismans. It’s a powerful lesson that not all heroes carry out daring rescues.