The Lesson of Dr. Albert Bourla

One of the lovely aspects of the rhythm of my life now is getting up early in the morning and watching Morning Joe on MSNBC before I begin my work day. What I love about this show is the breath and breadth of the perspectives of the folks they speak with. There are amazing people doing amazing things. There are lessons for all of us to share. There is a concern for all people and views. It is here as well as in many of the news media I select as my favorites that the desire is expressed to heal all of us -- to maintain the integrity of the Republican party, there is a focus on what the ISSUES are and the need to cut through the screaming and chatter. The values of balance, listening to each other, working from the proper motivations and so much else is here. It does not matter if one is from one or the other political party, liberal or Conservative, or whatever you are … come and join the discussion that is inclusive and reasonable.

I personally find this mix comforting and affirming when I walk out into the world and get slammed from the right for being too concerned about all of humanity and from the left for being, as one Rabbi called me some time ago, a hypocrite for being and living in an observant world. I have never personally had a problem with interfacing my degree of observance with my concern for all of G-d’s created beings – we are instructed to do exactly that and so much of Jewish Law/Halacha actually is formulated with that goal. This focus pervades my teaching, my writing, my life, my family’s amazing involvements with the world and so much else. So, yes, I look for those integrated voices, not too extreme on the right or left, but JUST RIGHT. Thank you, Morning Joe. Thank you specifically for this morning and for so many others!

This morning, Joe, Mika and Willie introduced all of us (for those who did not know who this amazing man is) to Dr. Albert Bourla. Dr. Bourla is the Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Bourla, interestingly enough a veterinarian by training and profession, talked about the process of coming up with the Pfizer vaccine, the amazing group who worked together to make what may have seemed impossible possible, the spirit of cooperation at Pfizer, the rejection of any government money so they would not have to be beholden to their agenda (the previous administration), and how his own story and motivation impacts on his life.

Dr. Bourla’s parents were Holocaust survivors. They were in a town where 96% of the residents died in the Holocaust. His parents were two of the relatively few people who survived. Then he explains how they did not just survive but they thrived. They taught him and all in their lives not to be revengeful, not to hate, and not to be angry; but rather, to work to heal the pain in our world. They taught him to love all of G-d’s children and to do whatever he could to make life better for them.

In his role at Pfizer, from the beginning, the goal was to make a vaccine that would help everyone who is part of the world community. He explained how they did not just make the vaccine for Israel, for the United States, his home country of Greece, and for other select countries, but also for Germany, Poland and all countries that could benefit – indeed the entire world. This child of survivors, persecuted and hated for who they were did not live to hurt others, but to heal the world. Dr. Bourla explained that this is the foundation of all that he is and does and hopes that his parents are proud of him for carrying their lessons. He explained that he engaged in this important work to honor them and their teachings.

Just like our President, Joe Biden, explains that he is a President for ALL Americans, including those who do not like or agree with him, Dr. Bourla is concerned for all human beings – ALL OF G-D’S CREATED BEINGS. This is what we should all carry with us – are my actions and my initiatives and investments good for all people or selfishly for the few I like? The former position heals and builds, the latter one hurts and destroys.

I am sure that Dr. Bourla’s parents are proud of him from their seat in Heaven. I suspect that many of us doing work to heal and bolster the masses have parents and grandparents who are joining them as they watch from above and are collectively proud of all those who are dedicated to truly making this world a healthier and better one. May we continue to join hands and work collectively to heal our very fractured world.