Gary Yourofsky’s inspiring speech touched the hearts of thousands of people in Israel. Many of them sent a thank you note to Gary.
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2014 8:51 AM
I have been a vegetarian for 26 years. I am a sculptor and musician and am involved in learning/teaching/ practicing permaculture related activities and learned most of my stuff in Israel at the center for creative ecology in Lotan. Recently I had the unique opportunity to visit Palestine and participate in the first ever international sculpture symposium there. Whilst there, I decided to watch your speech video and q&a session and was, as usual, drowning a litre of chocolate milk and crunching away on nuts when I stopped, put down the milk and knew; fuck it, there’s no going back.
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2014 12:46 AM
I reside in Miami, but am originally from Israel. For the past 50 days, I have heard a lot about you on Israeli TV. The lady who sings your praises is Tal Gilboa. I don’t know her personally. BUT, I became a vegan because of her. Because of her, I no longer wear leather. I don’t believe that my years as a vegetarian meant anything at all. While I think most reality TV is smut and garbage, Tal is doing an amazing job getting the cruelty-free/vegan message out there. Tal joined a reality show called Big Brother Israel. She did so to get a public platform and use the premise of this show to educate the public. To me, I think she’s paying a very high price, but the benefit of getting media coverage is enormous. I watch this show to keep up with Israeli culture. Tal has kept me captivated for 50 days and nights. The way the show works is that Israelis can pay to tune in 24 hours a day via live cameras in the house. While most people that join the show are much to be desired, Tal went in to gain exposure all having to do with the slaughter and dairy industries. Much of the population that watches this show has something to say about Tal’s message. They either feel antagonized or moved to make the choice to live a moral and ethical lifestyle. I have heard your name mentioned numerous times by Tal. Only this week did Tal get 40 minutes or so to give a full explanation about the atrocities committed to the voiceless animals. I believe hundreds of thousands of people watched her live via the house cameras. Your name came up numerous times this week. While Tal has moved me to tears, she has no idea that her message has reached across the globe. My clients are following my transition, and I got a phone call recently that one of them is going vegan. I watched your videos yesterday. They were quite informative and eye opening. While my Hebrew is pretty good, and Tal made mention of your dedication, your videos bridged the gap for me (whatever I didn’t understand in Hebrew, I now fully understand after watching you). Tal has no contact with the outside world. She has no idea that so many people are hearing her message, and are considering a vegan lifestyle, or have made the move already. If I am not mistaken, you were in Israel and met Tal. You obviously made quite the impression on her, because she credits you for so much of her knowledge and work. She amazes me. She asks for nothing. Gets a lot of shit from her ignorant house mates. She has made the ultimate sacrifice by not being in contact with her kids or husband, and rather than taking the credit onto herself, she gives much of it to you.
Sent: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 12:50 AM
I am 21 from Israel, and became vegan this week because I saw your lecture on YouTube.
Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2014 4:13 AM
I saw your video and you opened my eyes. Love you alll the way from Israel.
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 3:54 PM
I’m 14 years old from Israel. You made me vegan 1.6 years ago. You changed my life. Please don’t stop. You are doing so much good for the world!
Sent: Monday, September 1, 2014 12:43 PM
I’m 15 years old, and was at your backyard lecture in Israel where a few hundred kids showed up. I’ve been vegan ever since.
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 2:55 PM
I’m16 years old from Israel. 9 months ago I saw your presentation. It changed me forever. I immediately became vegan. I convinced 2 friends to become vegan, too.
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2014 2:54 PM
We are an Israeli family living in Mauritius (Indian Ocean). My husband and I have been fish and dairy-eaters for twenty years. Thank you for helping us, we are moving to tofu. What I really wanted to say is a thank you and deep appreciation for your dedication. I know it’s not easy to convince people and very frustrating to deal with the apathy and lack of awareness. Please carry on and never give up. It warms my heart to know that Israel has a big Vegan community.
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2014 1:22 PM
On behalf of myself, and the animals I haven’t made die since 2012, thank you.
