Kofi, Ted and me

October 30, 2007 - 11:29 AM by David Brinn

I guess I’ve learned to expect the unexpected after living in the Jerusalem area for 22 years. But sometimes, something happens that reminds me that the ‘reality’ of life here can include some very surreal experiences.

Like last night, for instance.

I was invited by a very nice group of folks from the Beachwood, Ohio Chamber of Commerce (Hello Cleveland!) for dinner and chat at the elegant downtown Moroccan eatery Darna.

We’re into our first course and some wine, and discussing Israel’s perception among Americans and how Beachwood’s efforts to woo Israeli startups to their fair city dovetails nicely into our efforts in helping the rebranding of Israel get underway, when some major suits started walking in through the dimly lit narrow corridor.

First were a couple dark glasses, walkie talkie types, and then the influx started.

“Get ready for some VIPs,” I told the group, as we all started gawking, caring less about high tech.

First ID was Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general looking every bit as dapper as he does in the media. Then a few more important looking but unidentifiable people strolled in, veering off just before reaching us to enter a private room in the restaurant.

Kofi
Separated at birth? Kofi Annan and Ted Turner.

Turns out that it was a delegation of the United Nations Foundation whose mandate is to build public-private partnerships that address the world’s most pressing problems.

I had read in the papers that morning that Annan had just joined its board and was in Israel for meetings.

“There should be one more celebrity coming through,” I told the group. “Ted Turner is the foundation’s chairman.”

Sure enough, a couple minutes later the CNN founder shuffled in, talking on a cell phone, and joined his party.

Turning back to our food and conversation, our Ohio delegation was duly impressed that not only was Jerusalem a special place, but that they were indeed eating at a special restaurant.

Share with others