Israeli Soldier Goes Viral for Complimenting Strangers
Ariel Buzaglo, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, has gained widespread attention online for his videos where he approaches strangers on the street to offer them compliments. What began as a personal mission to "make the world a better place" has evolved into a series of viral clips that aim to foster connection and positivity.
Buzaglo, who serves as a kashrut supervisor for the Rabbinate and also works as a mental coach, explained in an interview that the idea was inspired by a similar initiative he saw online. He wanted to evoke the same positive feelings in others that he experienced. Initially, he found the act embarrassing and would hesitate for up to an hour before approaching someone, but he learned to overcome his shyness by focusing on the goal.
While most interactions are positive, with people often surprised or reciprocating the compliments, Buzaglo notes that some Israelis appear guarded or startled by unexpected attention. He recounts an instance where a woman he complimented became visibly uncomfortable and moved away, highlighting what he perceives as a general state of alertness or shock among people in Israel. He aims to counteract this by encouraging more smiles and positive interactions.
Despite occasional negative reactions, particularly online, Buzaglo emphasizes that street interactions are rarely negative. He believes the viral success of his videos stems from the genuine human connection they capture, combined with background music and accompanying text that evokes emotion. His ultimate goal is to encourage people to see others differently and to cultivate better human beings capable of navigating life's challenges.
