Lesson from my Father
BY MOSHE KATZ 
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL

September 17, 2026, Israel

I am going through some difficult times. Facing some personal challenges, facing some economic challenges, a war that does not seem to end, a worldwide economic slowdown, rising fuel prices that cause rising airline prices, a country that is constantly under siege. Anti-Israel sentiments in Europe are hurting seminar bookings, students are reluctant to come to Israel.  Relationships with certain organizations that used to provide bookings and students, came to end with the start of the war. I am not alone, my printer who prints up all the IKI diplomas too is suffering. His main clients? the laundromats, their main clients? the hotels, but hotels are empty as tourists are gone, no guests = no dirty linen, no need for the laundromat = no need for the laundromat to order invoice and receipts books. We all feel it. He had to give up his printing press and now works for home, using his wife's company car to deliver diplomas and printed works on Fridays. 

Today I faced another blow, and it is easy to just feel sorry for oneself, go back to bed and give up, wait for social security to kick in. But no! I hear my father's voice, Never Give Up! Stand up, Get up, Never give up the fight!

My father was 50 and his world nearly collapsed; He had invited some "controversial" figures to speak at our synagogue on Saticoy Street. I will never forget shaking the hand of Ronald Reagan as he entered our synagogue and was handed white yarmulke, he proudly said, In my previous line of work the good guys always wore white hats and the bad guys were black, so I am happy to be wearing a white yarmulke. He stood at the podium with my father, and he addressed the congregation. 

Next my father welcomed Irv Rubin, of blessed memory, the head of the JDL, the Jewish Defense League. Now for Jews to actually defend themselvs, is, remarkably, "controversial".

My father was fired. Suddenly he was no longer the honored rabbi of the congregation. He was just an unemployed man of 50 Plus with no real prospects, and 4 teenage boys to feed and educate. My mom was a kindergarten teacher. A lesser man would have crumbled. 

But my father showed us what he was made of, and he entered the most glorious stage of his career. He applied to be a broker. He arrived at the interview and the man said, Mr. Katz, you are applying for a young mans' job, I have a room full of people half your age waiting to be interviewed, why should I consider you?

My father did not back down. He did not give up. He looked the man straight in the eyes and said, "I have four teenage boys who like to eat. I am hungry!"

He was given a chance. 

Six months with a minimum salary to give him time to learn the job. After that, only commissions; swim or drown. When my father died his room was filled with plaques; Presidents Club, Top Earner and so forth, a wall full of plaques for excellence in business. My parents were able to buy a home in California with a pool, the American dream. My father drove a Cadillac. My father came from humble beginings in Brooklyn, his family never owned a house, they rented the second floor of another family's house. My father went to summer camp, as the janitor. He was able to retire by 55 years old and fulfill his dream of moving to Israel. My dear mother, may she rest in peace, lived on the earnings from those 4.5 years for the rest of her life. My father showed me that when life knocks you down, you get right back up. Get up Stand up, Don't give up the fight. 

Cancelled bookings, world issues, war, that is OK. I can still recall running to the bomb shelter in 1973 with my family. We shall overcome. 

MosheProfile001

Moshe Katz, 8th dan Black Belt, Israeli Krav Maga. Certified by Wingate Institute. Member Black Belt Hall of fame, USA and Europe.

Understand the Israeli Fighting Mentality - Israel a Nation of Warriors by Moshe Katz

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