I'm so proud of my father that I would like to share some observations about him :) I will do this in three posts 

George Yurik Jona Daddy Landau is my Hero

We all know Daddy George deserves praise and then, heaps more praise. If one were to look at wisdom traditions or read philosophy books to learn the 'Hallmarks of a Great Man' you would likely find his picture titled 'A Hero, and a man of principle' with the following lessons repeatedly highlighting finer points of his character and citing myriad instances of his selfless contributions as examples.

With an amazing mind for detailed recall he often astounds us with his keenly adept observations, so now I am pleased to share some of my own observations .

While George doesn't harbor vices, character flaws, addictions or sins (nor mental illnesses, abusive behaviour or anything else that can be cited as disdainful, unpleasant, unsavory or reproachable), he instead moves truly without greed sloth glutony envy pride or wrath, nor (it goes without saying) lying cheating or stealing. He wouldn't ever be found acting irrationally foolish, silly or 'stupidly.' Furthermore George keeps his word, is punctual and dependable, and never utters excuses (as he can not be found doing anything imperfectly), and on top of that, not having ever allowed himself to get out of shape, I can say with utmost certainty that he is nothing short of impeccable. He certainly doesn't announce these traits nor does he demand respect or admiration, yet earns it every day in every way.  

Getting to know him you will find that he consistently acts with the same manner whether anyone is watching or not, whether in the company of children, kings, paupers or emperors (please read onwards within his stupefyingly remarkable resume' that shows among his business travels where he did, in fact, work with heads of state, literal kings as well as a plethora of mavens recognized in their business, academic and civic fields).

Unconcerned with what others think of him, Daddy instead pulls from his deep (and deeply ethical) inner well, clear and steadfast in the knowledge of what is right. A humorous recollection immediately come to mind, which is when he pulled the starter of a leaf blower inside a town hall meeting to illustrate the disruptiveness of those machines. Another  equally daring example is when he had said 'no' to developing ANY houses on the adjacent hills (development planners backed by an earlier county judge's ruling called for 150 mansions to be built backed by an erroneous conclusion shared by everyone that at least some would have been built. This lead to what has been called the greatest grassroots conservation effort in US history).  

He displays such consistency whether he feels on top of the world or under the weather, and again you wouldn't know, as it is not betrayed by that beaming smile, and relaxed pace and flow that George is known for. In his self sufficiency he will not burden or draw from you  (making his problems yours) but instead, George unerringly gives to you (in the form of heartfelt encouragement, advice, business insight and connections, or directly with donations of food, money, and a place to stay). As he is fond of saying 'the right action at the right time with the best for all concerned' which he enacts in a myriad of ways such as 'hands on' participation in environmental and social justice issues (both at policy level as well as locally with direct action). Anything and everything you (hopefully) find as 'good' or inspiring in me, such as tenacity, fairness and resolve are features I learn from my father.

With such humbleness, he acts similarly to a monk in that he is never proud nor boisterously showing off (not to say he's a 'square' as he certainly did 'get down' in the 60's, dancing through nights with the most outrageous of them). 

Keeping his house clean he keeps his mind clean, enacting strict attention to detail without ever losing sight of the bigger picture.

As we know, nothing was handed to him and nothing came easy, from an early career that sees him hiking through deserts to make a sale, to the dramatic escape from slavery, yet again such experience has failed to mark the youthful innocent glow on his face. 

A worldly international gentleman is my father, polite, well mannered, pleasant, encouraging, sophisticated, elegant and suave (and dashingly handsome!), well versed, extremely knowledgeable, fluent in multiple languages and possessing strong business acumen, though as I mentioned, he doesn't flaunt and let this get to his head, but instead will always put others first, truly a giant of a man.

This remarkable gentleman whom I am supremely proud to call my father teaches me how to be a gentleman by example, with gracious refined and considerate action from the morning breakfasts for Maman (carrying all three of us at once to join breakfast with his impressive well honed strength) to the little indicative examples, such as offering the last piece of food at the table. He's impossible to shop for as he literally asks for nothing, and never expects anything in return for his efforts, but instead remains satisfied in responsibly helping others, fulfilled with the joy that comes from seeing improvements through care, (definitively a balanced and wise viewpoint and manner!). If he were to ask for something, it would merely be that you try to do your best. 

Energetic, enthusiastic, strong, noble, valiant and elegant are the words which best describe my father, and as he wouldn't spitefully hold resentments (about anything against anyone), he is more than tolerant and accepting. Consistently and encouragingly does he facilitate the journeys of others, nurturing towards the overall improvement both of themselves, and of their businesses or situational challenges (with that trademark uplifting enthusiasm, encouraging attitudes and his wellspring of inspirations). It is in this way that he faithfully shows a resolve of unquestioning belief in the capability of others, lifting those who have lost their strength and find themselves feeling undeserving, incapable and not considering the best of themselves. His wish, as always, is to instill the emergence of independent professionalism and productivity such that those in his charge may experience the freedom of the full display of their innate potential, leading by example with grace and seeming ease (the way professional figure skaters' performances appear to be easy, without us thinking of the tremendous behind the scenes hard work they measured previous to performance). 

Non judgmental welcoming and encouraging of all faiths, creeds, orientations, professions, race, color, nation, political or worldviews, a peaceful warm caring loving soul, George hasn't ever harmed anyone emotionally, physically or verbally, as he is the gentlest soul (to the point that even kids television shows are disdainful in being too rough or vulgar). This giant of a man loves and respects people for who they are, encouraging them in realizations of who they can (and will!) be. 

Without wasting time on impractical or self indulgent philosophy courses, books or general abstractions, he moves from a productive and practical, efficient internal compass, sometimes stretching to great lengths (for instance, we poke fun at him when he will watch entire sports matches standing up, so that he is not caught engaging in a frivolous endeavor!) Not overly nostalgic, he very much keeps in the present, with focus on short and long term improvements in his meditations.

Providing unwaveringly and unquestioningly supportive, does he exemplify chivalry in the utmost manner by compassionate level headedness, fair civic minded gentlemanliness and fatherhood, a capable and effective multidimensional exemplar of faith, courage and grit (seen for example, in setting his mind to a goal, Daddy diligently, patiently and thoroughly fulfills his aims) always keeping his word, and surely treating every individual equally, fairly, and with a notably rare manner of conscientious kindness (he is probably the only person who gives Chanuka and thanksgiving presents to recycling truck drivers, postmail carriers, etc.!).

Seen by how many times the house has been and remains open to strangers (from international students, to theater troupes and bicycle racers, 24 of them!) not just on passover (when we're supposed to) but as needs arise for extended stays, further illustrates his gregariousness and compassion. Speaking of passover, his seders are legendary, prepared months in advance and adjusted to best focus on the relevant and important topics of the year, educating and instilling lessons of proper conduct, ethics and values thus enabling the guests and family to carry new and wise insights into the next year.

Never recalling him ranting about my shortcomings or frustrating ways, nor lamenting work stresses, complaints about difficult people or situations, instead ever keeping 'cool under fire' such that we are want to know of any frustrations, (and he certainly isn't causing trouble himself), always following through (for instance, after events he is of the few to email back with sincere thank you notes).

Faithfully loyal in calling friends and family throughout the year as well as every year at set times and charitably helping those of challenged means, financially and with volunteer work, and diligently visiting those whom are unwell and always open to consulting in person or whomever may call 24 hours a day.

The focus of business endeavors is with aim towards helping others, in fact his entire life focus, everything he thinks says and does has been and is to help, and help he does, tremendously, in fact he set up the town's Rotary club specifically for that purpose. You will see this theme in the resume' which I've included so as to best illustrate and celebrate George's standout caring endeavors and uniqueness of personality. People glow when they find I'm George's son jumping to relate how he's helped them or somebody they know. I frequently get stopped by townsfolk eager to share that 'your father did this to help', or 'he helped me find the right school' (or career path or business connection), it's not uncommon for me to hear 'he changed my life!', and it's interesting to ponder what the reverberating effects of these efforts and positive interventions are

As you can tell, my father is cut of a cloth rarely exhibited, such that I muse in imagining today's youth were they to have experienced similar dramatic and traumatic journeys as in his childhood would likely be found more often than not with defeatist vanquished outlooks, relying on a myriad of counselors for actual and hypochondriac conditions, exemplifying a default state of whiny demands for handouts, making complaints as their main business, and filled chalk full of resentments down to the most trivial (such as reproachment of tv show writers straying from canon over the usage of incorrect plot points, etc). Instead, my father took insurmountably difficult experiences and transformed them into his committed responsibility to help those less fortunate and not yet free.

Even on my best days I could hardly hope to be one millionth as strong mentally physically and spiritually as George. Fortitude, and resolve accompanied by a calm cool attitude and demeanor, he will never be found complaining about anything, ever. This is my George, my father. 

I enjoy reminiscing and I can say that all my favorite times and memories directly or indirectly involve Daddy, (an early example goes back to playing with my favorite toys in the tub? Well he drew the bath. Flying a kite and playing frisbee on the hills with Daddy? He saved those hills and took time out from work to walk with me. Strolling the Parisian Jardin Luxembourg whilst carrying me on his shoulders, sometimes even all three of us children!? He found that apartment as Mommy wisely thought a year in Paris would be best to instill French culture and sensibilities). He comes to all my plays, karate exams, DJ sets and exhibitions, as he drove a 14 year old me far away to offer flowers to a girl I liked. He readily attends every public event I've been associated with (even in my early youth was I able to recognize and appreciated his commitment, how thoughtful and patient he is and just how lovingly special his consistent attendance). 

Not to mention how cuddly and cute he is, you just want to hug George!

Not just my events, he manages to be everywhere at once often running off to shows and events to support a cause or supporting a friends' performance, always with flowers in hand, you can count on George! He didn't question the cost of schools we attend, gets everything we like at the store and cooks for us even now as a child visiting in my 50's! What parents do this? He is politically wise but doesn't argue about it, he has strong faith but doesn't insist you follow, allowing room to discover and decide. If everybody were to think and act a millionth the capacity of my father the world would be the peaceful perfect place we all feel it can and should be, filled with the likes of heroes in a glamorous film, a plateau for the enthusiastic compassionate caring of life liberty justice valor compassion and capableness. 

I've attached an application that shows some of his accomplishments, which I plan on posting on facebook to spotlight how incredible he's always been and how proud I am to be his son, in fact the application leaves out a lot of his intelligent work such as writing weekly articles for the newspaper and his series of daily email reflections he sent us for years, upon reading it you may wonder why he doesn't already have a nickname such as 'Accolades' 

The best father, a perfect man and my favorite man in the whole wide world.

Daddy is my hero, he is the town's hero and where he goes he brightens the day of those that interact from shortwhile to those getting to know more complete by interacting in depth, he is the hero to countless others that I've met and more that I haven't.

https://cfshelp.info/application.pdf

https://cfshelp.info/application2.pdf

https://cfshelp.info/Resume.pdf

https://cfshelp.info/gentleman.rtf