What a refreshing change. Usually when I am checking email at my Yahoo address (I know, Im old school), there are news stories highlighted, one more ridiculous than the next. Oftentimes theyre about celebrities ostentatious displays of wealth and excess, political pushing, or just random irrelevant information.
This time the title of an article finally made me succumb to clicking on a Yahoo story.
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife have donated $25 million to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), earmarked toward Ebola research.
I am impressed.
Mark Zuckerberg is a true humanitarian. At a critical moment in history, here is a megawealthy couple stepping up to the plate displaying tremendous generosity.
These are the people the media should be bolstering to the public as role models.
The fight against Ebola has begun, supported by two people who seem to want to create change, to use their wealth to make this world a better place.
Granted, there is a certain degree of sadness and shame in the fact that we in the developed world have woken up and taken notice of the threat of Ebola only after it affects us.
People in Africa have been grappling and dying from Ebola for years, but until now we didnt actually care in the authentic sense of the word.
There is always the debate: What is more effective, donating research funds to a government agency; or, Bill Gates style, managing funds in a private foundation without government intervention?
To be sure, that conversation will ensue.
Where should Zuckerberg have donated the money in order to create maximum difference?
Will the funds, like his infamous $100 million to New Jersey education, not be used properly and responsibly?
Or will the donation be a significant step toward medical research that will help create a solution to the infection, perhaps in the form of a vaccine?
What about pharmaceutical companies? Will a vaccine become another corrupt venture? Or will the CDC use the funds wisely, preparing America and the world for a preventative way to cope with the Ebola virus before it escalates to the entire world?
These are all important questions and discussions.
We are all scared of, G-d forbid, being infected by Ebola. We all hope that everything is being done in the fight against the virus.
Most of us dont have the funds to make a difference, so when we see someone who does have the funds use them to benefit the world, it is something to applaud.
I am glad Zuckerberg went public with this donation. It will generate important conversation about the virus and, most important, I hope other people of wealth will follow his lead.
Zuckerberg, a leader in philanthropy and giving, doesnt make a big deal about himself or live a showy life. He tries to convey a sense of stewardship about the money he has made, versus a privileged, smug attitude.
I admire what Zuckerberg is doing and thank him for fighting Ebola.
I hope to read more such stories put forward by the media, because these are the people they should be promoting as role models to Americas youth.
Copyright © 2014 by the Intermountain Jewish News
