Clare Bronfman

And there comes the most profound recognition, which is the principle of interdependence: Each of our victories and achievements, no matter how small, raises every person up. This essential fact, the profound essential relationship between all of us brings with it a pure joy, honor and respect for the oneness of humankind, our team.

- Keith Raniere

My mother has always referred to my sister and I as “half and half” – you will have to imagine the British and American accents!! Born in NYC, and raised in the UK. Most of my life I considered myself English – today I feel more American. In some ways I feel very proud of this country – if I look to the foundation upon which this country was built; starting with the Declaration of Independence, I am left in awe of the principles upon which the United States of America was founded! However in the same breath I reflect upon where we stand today as a nation – sadly, far from the intention of said Declaration.

“All men are created equal” is one of the most profound statements in the declaration. To truly honor this statement would be to put our prejudices aside and honor our brothers and sister regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, wealth, and age, and to recognize we are all on the same team: The human team.

Every time I have moved to, or even visited a different country I have initially felt afraid. I initially found all of the many ways in which I was dissimilar to the new people around me. If we are to transform this one declaration we must all search for and embrace the similarities we share with all humans.

This past weekend I was in Sun Valley, Idaho with my 6 siblings (with an additional 4 in-laws), 23 Nieces and Nephews (with an additional 2 in-laws), 1 great niece and 1 great nephew along with many extended family members and friends to celebrate my fathers’ 80th Birthday. Over 70 people traveled from afar to join in the celebration. This was a rare occasion!!

We came together to pay tribute to my father, who has affected all of our lives greatly - directly or in-directly. Through my relationship with him I have built the desire to strive for excellence, to find within myself the strength to uphold the things I believe to be important and to endeavor to use the wealth and power entrusted to me for the good of humanity.

The things I enjoyed the most were re-connecting with family members, experiencing some of my nieces and nephews for the first time now they are old enough to interact, and hearing the various stories from each generation enabling me to get a better sense of our family. I walk away from the weekend forever transformed.

“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future”

- Alex Haley