Book SummaryBreaking History, by Jared Kushner

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Breaking History

Jared Kushner's personal and professional history.

Kushner's story opens with a reflection on formative events in his early life that shaped his values and prepared him for an unexpected journey into public service. His convictions and principles are firmly rooted in his family ties, which are integral to his identity. Kushner sharpened his business acumen within the cutthroat real estate sector of New York City, a background that complemented the insights he gained when he was thrust into a position of authority following his father's imprisonment.

Kushner's early experiences established the foundation for his individual principles.

Jared Kushner's profound appreciation for life was greatly shaped by his grandparents' remarkable survival through the severe hardships of the Holocaust. Witnessing his father's imprisonment taught him the importance of serving others over yielding to self-centeredness. His unwavering faith, especially his spiritual commitments, consistently provides him with reinforcement and encouragement.

The resilience of Kushner's grandparents during the Holocaust and their pursuit of a better life in America deeply ingrained in him an appreciation for life and the importance of diligence.

The Holocaust was an event that Kushner's ancestors endured and survived. He emphasizes his life as a tribute to their perseverance and unwavering commitment to rebuild their existence despite the unimaginable hardships they faced. Rae Kushner was sixteen years old when Germany assumed control over Poland. She suffered through the destruction of the Novogrudok ghetto and a dangerous escape through a 600-foot tunnel under the veil of night, yet ultimately, she fell victim to Nazi bullets. She found refuge with a group of resistance fighters where she met Joseph Berkowitz, who was destined to be her life partner. Following the conflict, Rae and Joseph made their home in a refugee camp for several years, pursued the opportunity to move to America, and, like many immigrants of that era, saw the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of freedom. His grandfather arrived with little more than determination and minimal experience, eager to seize the opportunities that awaited him. He committed himself to a seven-day workweek, frequently halting at construction sites to minimize costs. His determination and toughness were the reasons he became known as Hatchet Joe. The loss of all belongings deeply shaped his grandfather, fostering a deep appreciation for the chance that diligent effort could bring about.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a creative project, like writing a short story or creating a piece of art, that depicts a journey of survival and finding love in the face of adversity. Use this as a metaphorical exercise to explore and express your own experiences with hardship and the power of human connection. Sharing your creation with friends or a community group can open up conversations about resilience and the importance of relationships in overcoming life's challenges.
• You can deepen your empathy for refugee experiences by volunteering with local organizations that support refugees. By offering your time at these organizations, you'll gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals like Rae and Joseph. This could involve tutoring in English, helping with job searches, or simply providing companionship.
• Create a personal freedom collage using images and words from magazines, newspapers, or printed online content. This activity allows you to visualize and define your own concept of freedom. You might include pictures of open spaces, birds flying, or quotes about liberty, which can serve as a daily reminder of the values you hold dear.
• Volunteer for a role or task outside your comfort zone within a community organization or at work to gain experience in a new field. This will help you build determination as you navigate unfamiliar responsibilities. For instance, if you're an accountant, volunteer to help organize a community event, which will require different skills such as event planning and public relations.
• Experiment with a 'no work' day to understand the impact of rest on productivity. Choose one day a week where you completely refrain from any work-related activities. Use this time to engage in hobbies, spend time with family, or simply relax. After a few weeks, reflect on whether this day off has improved your focus and efficiency on other days.
• Start a 'use it or lose it' challenge where you donate an item you haven't used in the past six months. This activity can help you understand the emotional weight of possessions and the liberation that comes with letting go. It can also instill a sense of hard work as you actively manage and evaluate your belongings.
• Start a family history project by interviewing older relatives and documenting their stories. This can help you understand the trials and triumphs that shaped their lives, providing you with a personal sense of resilience and a deeper appreciation for your heritage, much like the influence of family experiences.

The period during which his father was incarcerated instilled in him the significance of placing the well-being of others above personal gratification and discerning between fleeting and enduring principles.

The incarceration of his father, Charles Kushner, in 2005 stands as the most challenging and influential period in Kushner's life, profoundly shaping his character. Kushner came to understand that life's transient elements like wealth, power, and prestige paled in comparison to the importance of familial bonds, individual beliefs, and how we tackle life's obstacles. Kushner was profoundly impacted by the circumstances surrounding his father's company, leading to an inquiry led by Chris Christie with considerable political consequences. He experienced intense emotions of frustration, bitterness, and a feeling of being without control. He considered...

Breaking History Summary Jared Kushner played a crucial role in the administration of President Trump.

Kushner asserts that his contribution to the Trump administration was the application of private sector management strategies to government roles and the utilization of his established relationships with global leaders to advance the administration's goals. From the beginning of the 2016 presidential campaign, he identified and advocated for issues that resonated powerfully with citizens who felt neglected in the United States. He utilized his business acumen to address challenges within the government that had once appeared insurmountable.

Jared Kushner was a key figure during the entire presidential campaign.

Kushner downplays his involvement in the Trump campaign, but it becomes clear that he played a central role behind the scenes on virtually every aspect of the endeavor. As a trusted advisor to the president, he not only introduced innovative strategies in digital marketing and travel coordination but also played a pivotal role in enhancing the methods used to secure funds and manage other critical responsibilities.

Creating messages that resonated with people previously neglected.

Kushner's approach is characterized by a subtler demeanor than one might expect...

Breaking History Summary Jared Kushner's impact on global politics and international relations.

Kushner asserts that his pivotal role in transforming the diplomatic interactions of the United States with countries like Mexico, China, and Middle Eastern nations was instrumental in enhancing America's international stature and establishing lasting partnerships characterized by reciprocal benefit, power, and esteem.

Steps were taken to strengthen the relationship with Mexico, a neighboring nation of the United States.

Kushner acknowledges the significant contribution of Luis Videgaray Caso in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Mexico. He leveraged his special relationship with the former Mexican finance minister and the head of international affairs to establish a foundation of trust and a results-driven approach, culminating in the successful negotiation of a major immigration agreement and a groundbreaking trade deal.

Cultivating a unique relationship based on trust with Luis Videgaray Caso.

Kushner's work alongside Luis Videgaray, an economist from Mexico with an MIT education, was crucial in strengthening the relationship between our countries. He sensed that their connection was built on a shared comprehension of both the political...

Breaking History Summary While serving in the White House, Jared Kushner encountered personal challenges.

Jared Kushner recounts his political tenure as a period marked by a multitude of unexpected and critical events. He did not know the path his responsibilities would take, which individuals would prove to be steadfast supporters, or what unexpected developments might occur. Throughout, his dedication to securing tangible outcomes never wavered, despite enduring relentless pressure and personal attacks.

Securing the required permissions to handle sensitive information presented obstacles.

In the first year of Trump's presidency, Kushner found himself besieged by a relentless stream of leaks and political attacks while the fabricated narrative of the Trump campaign's supposed collusion with Russia intensified. Jared Kushner conveys his frustration with the unpredictable security clearance process that unfairly shifted blame for another's mistake onto him, wrongly linking him to unfounded allegations from the Russian interference probe and thus hindering his ability to perform his responsibilities.

He made his way through a system that appeared opaque and devoid of reason,

Kushner quickly came to understand that the way his colleagues were handling the issuance of...