Not far from my house and on my way to work, there is a man who I often see begging for money by walking in between the cars waiting for the green light. He appears to be in his forties, fit, and most of the time unshaven. His uneven dangerous walk between the cars reminds me of an animal approaching a source of food while watching its surroundings; trying simultaneously to “not get run over by a car,” but also not missing out on an opportunity for food.

I have watched this person many times and have quite often wondered about his life. I ask myself: “What is his life really like? Does he sleep on the streets or does he jump into his BMW parked around the corner at the end of the work day? Does the global economic situation affect his income? Has he modified his marketing methodology and approach, and what does he do with the many coins he receives from all of us sympathetic drivers?”

Last week there was an accident at the intersection which stopped traffic, and I had the opportunity to observe our worker, whom I will call "John." John walked over to my car the second time around, obviously forgetting that he has already visited me on the previous five-minute cycle. His face wore a poor expression as he approached me. “I have already paid you,” I told him, and added, “is the economy hurting you?” He looked at me puzzled, not knowing whether to take me seriously or to spit at me. It seemed like my facial expression made him respond with the same seriousness and he replied, “Yes. These are hard times, people pay me very little.” The situation felt surreal sitting in my jeep with the radio in the background stating the recent rise of unemployment, and this relatively young healthy-looking man imposing upon drivers for money. “Where do you live?” I asked him. At that point he looked at me and responded aggressively, "It’s none of your business.” I looked back at him pitifully, closed the window and ignored the pathetic scene.

Today I had to leave the house quite early. I was tired from prior long days at work, when to my shock and dismay, I looked to the side of the street and saw "John" emerging out of a virtually new Toyota. I could not believe that he was actually putting on his usual dirty jacket. I wrote down his license plate number not really knowing what I would do with it and stared at him straight in the eyes without saying a word. John did not smile, nor did he blink even once. He turned around and walked over to the intersection to start another day’s work.

I know that most of you have experienced "street people" begging for money. I have had many discussions with friends criticizing me for giving something to everyone that asks for help, even if they may be pretending. I have always responded with the same response that, if a person brings himself to ask, then regardless of whether he is a crook or not, the fact is that the act of giving is important. What do you think and how would you react in a situation like this?

Yoram Yahav
CEO