This Taxi Driver Has an Amazing Life Story You'll Want to Hear | Short Film Showcase
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ค. 2017
- Meet Estaifan Shilaita-Chicago cab driver, loving father, and former boxing champion. From 1968 to 1976, Shilaita was the national boxing champion of Iraq before being forced to flee his home country because of his Christian faith. Although he left his boxing dreams behind, Shilaita eventually found greater happiness than he could have ever imagined.
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The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.
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In this heartwarming film by Brett Garamella and Patrick McGowan, hear Chicago taxi driver Estaifan Shilaita’s incredible tale of family, faith, and fulfillment.
Brett Garamella: brettgaramella.com/
Patrick McGowan: www.patrickmcgowan.com/
This Taxi Driver Has an Amazing Life Story You'll Want to Hear | Short Film Showcase
• This Taxi Driver Has a...
National Geographic
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![มองหน้ากันไม่ติด (Awkward) - โอ๊ต ปราโมทย์ FEAT. MAIYARAP [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4b02SY_r6Gw/mqdefault.jpg)
being called by his kids and wife that -
he is a Champion,
that is the Billion dollar asset he has ... bless him ...
Yes, Lord bless them.
If you ever read this Mr. Estefan I want you to know that I admire you. People like you make me feel hope for this messy world we live in. Your wife and kids are so fortunate to have you! God bless you all 🙏🏽💕✨✨✨✨
The most beautiful thing that he said was that he tells people he has "4 million dollars, that his kids are his treasure!!" Those kids are so blessed to have such a loving father, this guy certainly has his priorities straight!
I got this guy randomly as my cab driver last time I was in Chicago for work. Played the guessing game with where he was from and guessed babylonian - pulled out all my 5th grade ancient history lessons for that one. Thanks for the ride Estaifan!
Brian Vecchiarelli Small world.
Fantastically inspiring story. My grandfather is from India, and came to America with $200 and a suitcase. He met my grandmother and, although against old Catholic traditions (him being Indian and her being German/Irish), married her. They started a doctor's office together and became wealthy against all odds. Sadly, my grandfather passed away several years ago, but he goes to show that it does not matter where you come from or what you look like. Your life is your own, and it is your choice whether you want to do something with it or not.
Sami Al saleh ×
Sami Al saleh you sure have Muslim name
SF 415 what are you, a white kid trying to pick a fight? Or ignorant ass who knows nothing of the Indian culture. Have you ever heard of Ghandi? One of the greatest men to ever live straight out of India.
SF 415 ur prolly a Katua
Jimmy Gupta 😊 happy to hear that, blood of warrior is flowing in your body..
While watching i got teary eyes..what an amazing father and husband he is.. GOD bless them more.
For a Middle Eastern person to leave their family behind, it is like they have left half of their self behind, and it never gets less painful. It is so painful and lonely to be without their family. I admire his strength, fortitude, and determination.
Every person who leaves their country has a story. Many of our taxi drivers and minimum wage employees from other countries were engineers, teachers, or doctors who lost everything and could not get their license transferred. Have a welcome in your heart for these people. They have incredible stories to tell.
This is the kind of content national geographic should deliver more of. The study of human lives is so interesting
Anthropology ❤️
This man is the true reason why America is so fucking great. and the love he has for his wife and family this is a real man. Do what he can to make a better life for generations to follow. Whew lord he is a blessing to this world
yes, your country is the land of opportunity. I wish one day I will be there
msfatbooty06 that country is full of shit. Sorry to burst ur buble
gianni arnoldons you clearly never heard about third world countries :)
He drove my 2 kids, wife, and I from Gerideno Pizza to the Bean last June. We didn't talk for long but he was a great way to start our 48 state trip and someone we still talk about. I can't wait to show my wife this.
Very emotional story, I'm from a country that had so much wars now I'm raising my two kids here in America, when I tell them how privileged they are they don't get it, I pray that our children someday appreciate the blessings they have living in the land of the free
i am chaldean which is basically Assyrian so to hear a story of people of the same culture it makes me really happy to be what i am.
f*ck youtube
As an Arab I am proud of him as well.
Glad that such people preserved our old Semitic culture.
faze rug brought me here, babula babula babulaaa
f*ck youtube sameeee I'm Assyrian
My favourite part of this video was when the couple genuinely confirmed their love for each other in front of the camera. It's so heartwarming to see this couple still have spark and love in their marriage even after so many years of being together. I'm sure their marriage was never perfect either but they worked on love, admiration, respect, selflessness and forgiveness for one another.
Great Champ, Our greetings regards and love from BASRA, IRAQ .
wish you all the happiness and joy.
Publish more stories like this. Lots of people have fantastic stories to tell. 👨🍳👍😊
3 years later and watching this makes me cry. So overwhelmingly beautiful!!!
This is why America is the land of opportunities. This is America's strength. Ambitious, energetic, full of life people come here and make their lives.
What a champion. I was deployed to Iraq in 2005 as a Marine. I always felt bad and regret for the suffering endured by the Iraqi people. It's so awesome to see people from Iraq thriving and happy because of the US as opposed to suffering because of us. God bless him and his family.
Dear Mr. Shilaita, I am from Pakistan. I have also been living in Greece during the era you were there, I mean in 1976. I have lived in Iraq too, especially in the region of Nainawah, where their were thousands of Asyrians who talked in Aramaic . It's a great language as many prophets of God spoke this sacred language. Some of my good friends tried to teach me too. But unfortunately I could learn very little. Your excellent video reminded me of those sweet times. Thanks a lot, and good luck.
What a beautiful story and an awesome testimony. I am such a complainer, but hearing his story compels me to change, to be a better Christian. Thank you Champion Estefan! You and your family are absolutely beautiful! God's continued blessings upon you all!
What a powerful story. Love always finds a way. If you spread love, love will come to you. Enjoy life and be grateful for all the people who make you feel joy and happiness. Thanks for sharing his story.
What a good-natured bunch of people.
This is the feel good video of the year and worth sharing with all your friends on social media. What a great family..May God bless this humble man and his family...he is a perfect example of a person who is thankful for all that he has in life...
Beautiful story - made me cry when his wife told him she loves him - great man with positive attitude- wish u all the best
Their story and love to each other inspires me
His middle name is baghdad and no one knew he was from Iraq?
Mushtaq Samim not on ID would be too easy
Mushtaq Samim he did not reveal his middle name first.. Only after they gave up did he reveal it.
Mushtaq Samim he said in a way, I didn't even understand he said Baghdad lol.
Well Geography in not a strong suit of America
U killed me !
Man, what a story!You go to America I come with you😄. This is how love can drive you crazy. We used to have Saddam Hussein, now we have 40 Husseins lol! Man, I'm glad for this man. God bless his family.
Marcus Traore
As an Iraqi, I want Saddam Hussein to rule Iraq, now and forever.
Sorry bro. I know he was a strong leader.
Marcus Traore, What US🇺🇸 did was kill Saddam the gatekeeper of the Jurassic Park. Now that all the wild animals are out, nobody in the world🌍 is at peace.
Shine Raj wise words
americans killed sadam and created 40 new sadams same thing with gadaffi.
I missed when vice did shit like this
Erik Johansson Ikr. Vice do this kinda shit before now I don't know.
vice is just shit now
now they do shit like "top 30 tran trends you need to be aware of "
He is a true inspiration! And in my mind, the essence of what it means to live successfully. What a beautiful family! Thank you so much for sharing this!
This story brought tears to my eyes… God Bless them all. Love and Peace.
These are the stories that gives humanity hope.... despite all the hardships we have in life... thanks for letting us meet this family.
Wow Estaifan you have had a hard life, a beautiful outcome and an amazing story, that's what you call Life
His wife is beautiful and I love her and respect her very much. She is ICON of good wife.
Very touching story and really makes you look at your life differently.
What an amazing family.... Estaifan, his nephew, his wife, their kids.... i love this story!
These are the stories I love. There is so much negativity any more, especially on the net. I wish there were more of these stories to outweigh the negative/bad. ❤
My life is a struggle and fight,too. But the difference between he and me is that he is surrounded by love which I've never experienced. It makes me happy for him, sad for me and jealous at the same time.
luticia : you have a #1 thumbnail
Perhaps your journey is to find love, no matter how late it be.
Love the story his dedication, hardship, motivation, and goals.
Estaifan, you and your family brought to tears....beautiful, blessed, motivating. Thank you, May many see and feel, understand, remember like so many families here, that auffer, striggle, work hard and love AMERICA!
Such a great person he is ! May God bless him more and more .
A good man.
He is a champion!
Beautiful! Just beautiful! God bless you Estefan, and your family.
Every time I lose faith in this country a story like this comes along and my spirit is filled again.
Love is the best treasure a person can have. Great video
Thank you for such a great story. We need more stories like this
Be surrounded by people like this, it just makes you better person and increases your happiness
It's touching story. Strong family. Money is not all we need. They have all they want family love and bond are so strong, what else? God bless them.
What a beautiful heart felt story.
As soon as he said "I speak Aramaic" I knew he was a Christian from Iraq
Lord Neptune or Syria... Come on... It would have taken me two guesses
Really? I was thinking Egypt. My lab partner was an Egyptian Christian who could read Aramaic.
Barry Irlandi Well i guess so, but Iraq has more native christians then Syria. Like Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, Armenians, Western Armenians, and Turkmens. And Christianity has been present in Iraq longer than it has been in Syria.
Hypatia4242 Yes I know, there are a lot Christian Egyptians and their language is Coptic which is a near relative to Aramaic.
I'm iraqi, and I thought he was Syrian. Just the name stepan is very weird to hear in Iraq. but not in Syria. Iraq would've been my 2nd or 3rd guess :) But you are right, I'm from Mosul and Aramaic is, or unfortunately was the language there..
this is a love story of a TRUE CHAMPION & A WINNER,.His children will always be successful & blessed!!
so encouraged by his story. A true example of perseverance in the midst of great adversity.
Beautiful story...amazing production.. kudos to the team!
amazing story of an amazing person.
God bless you Mr.Champion
Watching this in 2019 & this film matters now and forever more. Thanks Brett & Patrick.
I love this story, what a good man!
National Geographic stepping it up with these killer contents. Lately I'm finding these guys to be more inspirational than TED.
I love the way they recount how they first met, its so fresh in their minds!
So many people with unique stories out there. It is a great pleasure to just sit and listen to someone's story.
God bless America and god bless you this beautiful couple.
Honestly man thumbs up to you. If it was me I couldn't do this I mean I am so much attached with my family. I cud never leave them. It's really hard for any human being to leave without his family. and it is always good to see happy ppl.
that was beautiful...i liked the last scene...its amazing theyre still in love...
Beautiful. Some people are living a dream and don't even know it. Love people that acknowledge the blessings in every day life.
God bless this family
I love this story what an amazing man with a wonderful story!! And so handsome
katherine kamp u to are beautiful
tears of joy happiness and inspiration.
life is a gift only for those who fight and fight honestly.
THANKS
A hero. A champion. Beautifully done.
An amazing story for an amazing person.
wonderful guy wonderful family,,kids are lovely,, nice documentary
what a guy! Thanks for sharing his inspiring years. WOW it really is about attitude.
What an amazing family, to push him forward and encourage him to leave so that he can be his best. I have always dealt with the opposite, having to fight to get away, grow, and pursue my dreams.
What a remarkable man!
this was so good please do more of these
A very inspiring and touching story indeed. Sad, because he never got to see his family again but his ability to keep his head up and remain cheerful in spite of all the hardships and loss and to have still been able to bring up a nice family who loves him so dearly, is definitely admirable. I could especially relate to what he was saying, because I drove a cab in Chicago for several years too and it was the most experiential job I ever did. Who knows I may have crossed paths and may have even met Estaifan then. In fact what I do as a cross cultural communication and accent trainer and voice artist now, has a lot of bearing on the experiences I had doing that job, not to mention my ability to be able to deal with people, which I was very poor at before that. I have neither a rags to riches story to tell nor one of a life that has come full circle yet, buy I wouldn't trade the experiences of driving a cab in Chicago for anything. Thank you Estaifan and Nat Geo for sharing such a beautiful story.
What a story ! What a champ! God bless you and your family.
Minorities (not majority minority) should be given refuge if they are in rogue nations.
His laugh is beautiful
What an amazing story. A beautiful husband, father a real champion. Watched from New Zealand.
Thank You for sharing your amazing story, and for sharing your perpetual positive attitude.
gotta love a good story :)
one love from california
AmazingNeZz AliE this story could be mine :D but very after the beginnig at the airport they said :" no way in for you you are too poor you must want work" :D end of my story! all the heroes of these stories should try nowadays to do what they did back then. They all would be illegals and got deported. But if they let in the harmless educated(at least 12 years) people it would be better for everyone because only the criminals would hop the borders. I don't address it to you :D just saying! God bless you all!
Well I am from Iraq and I couldn't guess where he's from
Saleem Says me to form Iraq welcome
just when he opend his muth i knew he is iraqi the accent is very distingiushed lol
fail
Saleem Says me too .lmao
I knew he was Assyrian, but I though Syria.
He is definitely a champion. What an amazing story !
When your family calls you champion you are!👍👍👍
Great story ☺️
This is so touching
Amazing guy. So inspiring to just be happy. From now on i will never complain. Thank you.
Amazing man, inspiring story---a feel good vid. Thanks & more happiness & health to you Estefan & your family. The world needs more of you.
Beautiful story
This made my sunday
You meet the right person gives you back all even the lost or missing but in different ways
he's a real champion. we're all champions. we, who form a home, raise a family, work hard, honest and respect this country, are champions too. Beautiful story.
Thanks for a good documentary 👌👌👌
God Bless you. Just Sad that you never got chance to see your family anymore. Thanks to technology at present where ever we are globally at-least can see them.
I'm so lucky to have been blessed with a Dad like that too!!! Thanks for the show! ;-)
Life truly is what you make of it. An amazing inspirational story.
awesome story man....,...
Real life Rocky Balboa. :'D
What an amazing story, God bless you man.
such a beautiful story.. so nice to see someone happy during these times...very nice