Beyond the Headlines: What is your mission in the world?

Holocaust survivor Dr. Avraham Peter, a distinguished astrophysicist who played a critical role in NASA's Apollo 13 mission, passed away this week just before his 100th birthday. Though largely unknown during his life, Peter's contributions spanned establishing the Israeli Air Force and an international scientific career.

Peter's work at NASA included being called into the situation room during the Apollo 13 crisis. An explosion in an oxygen tank threatened the astronauts' lives. Peter improvised complex engineering solutions that ensured the astronauts' safe return to Earth.

Despite his significant achievements, Peter consistently returned to a small story from his youth when asked about those moments. Born in Poland, his family was sent to the Lodz Ghetto, enduring years of hunger, illness, and forced labor. He described the immense risk involved in obtaining an apple from outside the ghetto walls, a story he said shaped him and gave him strength throughout his life.

The article also includes a questionnaire by Moriah Chen from the Hidabroot website, designed to help individuals clarify their life mission by reflecting on activities they do for free, areas where others seek their help, unique strengths, and what challenges ignite a desire for change.