I went to see a youth hi-tech conference at Tel Aviv University. I was in the neighborhood, and Doron Ish Shalom had suggested that I go. So I went.

It’s called Wow. It was Wow.

The head honcho is a youngster named Matar.

There were lots of brilliant teenage kids everywhere.

And some robots that they had built.

And plenty of strange objects.

And lots of clever apps

I grabbed a lot of hands.

And considered a career in dance and theater.

This invention knocked my socks off. I bought a pair.

Suddenly, a tap on my shoulder. It was Alon. Alon Shalom. Son of my lifetime friend, Jim.

I was delighted to see him. Turns out that Alon came at the behest of his teenage cousin (actually second cousin, grandson of Sue, Jim’s sister), Matar Stiglitz, who organized the event.

Matar was in the middle of last minute preparations. I could tell. So we took a selfie and set him free.

Turns out that WOW is an international initiative of people giving amazing talks, the brainchild of Matar’s dad, Gal Stiglitz. As I like to say, the tree doesn’t grow far from the apple.

The conference began. Amazing young people were on stage…

…addressing a thousand amazing youngsters.

I ran out of steam, but they continued.

So here’s to Matar, his Dad, the Shalom family and all the young people I met. May you continue to inspire and be inspired! Wow is now!