This Taxi Driver Has an Amazing Life Story You'll Want to Hear | Short Film Showcase

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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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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[@sinaestiak2916]

being called by his kids and wife that - he is a Champion, that is the Billion dollar asset he has ... bless him ...

[@dove7271]

Yes, Lord bless them.

[@arimarianne7528]

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.

[@melimevivzla]

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 🙏🏽💕✨✨✨✨

[@qaisarhassan2722]

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.

[@leardvr]

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.

[@jimmygupta611]

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.

[@mikekallay5043]

Sami Al saleh ×

[@marbat9612]

Sami Al saleh you sure have Muslim name

[@jimmygupta611]

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.

[@ankitpant1982]

SF 415 ur prolly a Katua

[@akashvashishtha8810]

Jimmy Gupta 😊 happy to hear that, blood of warrior is flowing in your body..

[@vincentmaurice3609]

While watching i got teary eyes..what an amazing father and husband he is.. GOD bless them more.

[@saybahtenny4577]

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

[@simoneammon9874]

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!

[@brianvecc]

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!

[@stephenellison1]

Brian Vecchiarelli Small world.

[@ThePurpleCosmos]

This is the kind of content national geographic should deliver more of. The study of human lives is so interesting

[@Thecelebritystudio]

Anthropology ❤️

[@puresunshine79]

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

[@mohamadmohd7042]

yes, your country is the land of opportunity. I wish one day I will be there

[@Tombombadillo999]

msfatbooty06 that country is full of shit. Sorry to burst ur buble

[@TitanikGirl]

gianni arnoldons you clearly never heard about third world countries :)

[@ahmedmahay]

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.

[@fckyoutube3461]

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.

[@yousefal-assaf2985]

f*ck youtube As an Arab I am proud of him as well. Glad that such people preserved our old Semitic culture.

[@zoroastrianisticzoro297]

faze rug brought me here, babula babula babulaaa

[@laveniadawod8876]

f*ck youtube sameeee I'm Assyrian

[@lostagain6258]

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.

[@mlynn6856]

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.

[@ChefRafi]

Publish more stories like this. Lots of people have fantastic stories to tell. 👨‍🍳👍😊

[@ahmedal-kanan721]

Great Champ, Our greetings regards and love from BASRA, IRAQ . wish you all the happiness and joy.

[@risemahadeva]

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!

[@esparda07]

What a good-natured bunch of people.

[@pepperjack8]

His wife is beautiful and I love her and respect her very much. She is ICON of good wife.

[@romeojan9137]

Their story and love to each other inspires me

[@mathapelonyembe4702]

3 years later and watching this makes me cry. So overwhelmingly beautiful!!!

[@fxguide23]

When your family calls you champion you are!👍👍👍

[@johnwayne845]

Wow Estaifan you have had a hard life, a beautiful outcome and an amazing story, that's what you call Life

[@AnaTorres-wn3yn]

He is a champion!

[@adaariina7175]

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.

[@articulatelycolorful]

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. ❤

[@luticia]

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.

[@mikejohnson7696]

luticia : you have a #1 thumbnail

[@issaazrael8404]

Perhaps your journey is to find love, no matter how late it be.

[@teddysalad8227]

A good man.

[@gsabhilash]

God bless you Mr.Champion

[@lucissheridan3201]

Every time I lose faith in this country a story like this comes along and my spirit is filled again.

[@Trancegirl1966]

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...

[@marcustraore545]

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.

[@yousefal-assaf2985]

Marcus Traore As an Iraqi, I want Saddam Hussein to rule Iraq, now and forever.

[@marcustraore545]

Sorry bro. I know he was a strong leader.

[@ShineRajcom]

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.

[@Tombombadillo999]

Shine Raj wise words

[@vovchik9]

americans killed sadam and created 40 new sadams same thing with gadaffi.

[@mariammattinrealestate9221]

Beautiful story - made me cry when his wife told him she loves him - great man with positive attitude- wish u all the best

[@zahrawee5210]

I am very proud of you, my Iraqi brother

[@leyzork]

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.

[@paolabueso]

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!

[@jbre7233]

What an amazing family.... Estaifan, his nephew, his wife, their kids.... i love this story!

[@clairebaichoo7820]

this is a love story of a TRUE CHAMPION & A WINNER,.His children will always be successful & blessed!!

[@xXChronoTriggerXx13]

Very touching story and really makes you look at your life differently.

[@saynotop2w]

National Geographic stepping it up with these killer contents. Lately I'm finding these guys to be more inspirational than TED.

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

To me this represents the real American Dream! As Americans born here, we take for granted what we have and what this country means. This is The Melting Pot. This is America! ❤ 🇺🇸🙏

[@shayansafavitehrani]

that was beautiful...i liked the last scene...its amazing theyre still in love...

[@dienelsanson]

Love the story his dedication, hardship, motivation, and goals.

[@BPantherPink]

This story brought tears to my eyes… God Bless them all. Love and Peace.

[@chrisanderson9157]

It just doesn't get any better than that! Refugees like these people are more than welcome to America. Thank you for coming and enriching our country :-) 37 years and still in love. What a beautiful family.

[@generationfallout5189]

What a nice family... good for them.

[@PrernaSharma-fb6pl]

Beautiful story

[@conroexlexx8267]

Great story ☺️

[@jasocaz]

We have our challenges in America, but this is what makes our country so great. The world could use more Estaifan's!

[@moomootoyou]

A hero. A champion. Beautifully done.

[@vinaymane5538]

Minorities (not majority minority) should be given refuge if they are in rogue nations.

[@mushtaqsamim98]

His middle name is baghdad and no one knew he was from Iraq?

[@moosaislam9685]

Mushtaq Samim not on ID would be too easy

[@KalliyathSuhail]

Mushtaq Samim he did not reveal his middle name first.. Only after they gave up did he reveal it.

[@khan-hg6em]

Mushtaq Samim he said in a way, I didn't even understand he said Baghdad lol.

[@asadkhan-qm1my]

Well Geography in not a strong suit of America

[@goliath760]

U killed me !

[@jamesharris9217]

People like this gentleman are who make America great

[@guracha200]

Good man. Amazing father and great champ

[@Karmakaze]

God bless America and god bless you this beautiful couple.

[@theronaldophotography4971]

Beautiful story...amazing production.. kudos to the team!

[@jamesgreene4811]

What a beautiful man he is if only all men could be like this what a beautiful and peaceful world we would be living in and such a loving and beautiful wife and family he has greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪 and best wishes to you and your family

[@banyagatiger]

These are the stories that gives humanity hope.... despite all the hardships we have in life... thanks for letting us meet this family.

[@vinodkumarkarki]

amazing story of an amazing person.

[@gregb4799]

Love is the best treasure a person can have. Great video

[@agoodartist]

Be surrounded by people like this, it just makes you better person and increases your happiness

[@ninacadavis4073]

I wish who made this short film also made a reunion for their family. it would be amazing and they desrve it!

[@jaimebrown8809]

What a beautiful heart felt story.

[@SweGamingFTW]

I missed when vice did shit like this

[@inigojuancarlos]

Erik Johansson Ikr. Vice do this kinda shit before now I don't know.

[@SweGamingFTW]

vice is just shit now

[@e.k874]

now they do shit like "top 30 tran trends you need to be aware of "

[@aliyaahhashi9579]

thank God they have each other

[@joshosterman7900]

What beautiful people, thank you for being a part of America.

[@aumj97]

Thank you for such a great story. We need more stories like this

[@a_case_study]

I love this story what an amazing man with a wonderful story!! And so handsome

[@jasonlomax5419]

katherine kamp u to are beautiful

[@rajinuk1985]

You meet the right person gives you back all even the lost or missing but in different ways

[@LifeInGot]

You are not just a champion in Boxing. But also in your life. Good luck

[@fb079]

This is so touching

[@ashrafzaman550]

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.

[@jenicapaulo9697]

He is definitely a champion. What an amazing story !

[@BubblesPothowari]

A Gentleman & Pride of His Family. Full Stop......

[@anyalecawale635]

His laugh is beautiful

[@ahnaftech]

What a remarkable man!

[@hurleycapetown8420]

Not going to lie i wish i was like this guy in many ways,he's a true gentleman and more men should be like him,love you wife,your family and the simple things in life.

[@oscopin74]

We are glad to have you here, Brother! I've been to Basra. And many other places in Iraq and I can say first hand, they are a king people despite all they've been through.

[@MissChanelR]

I love this story, what a good man!

[@sugarfly83]

gotta love a good story :) one love from california

[@SuperTelapo]

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!

[@holdmyhand1360]

I'm Iraqi guy. We here love the kindness people. And nobody hated us. But somebody want to defect out reputation.

[@mitja19]

Amazing story, amazing video... great job National Geographic

[@HabibJackson]

God bless this family

[@ibrahim3690]

this was so good please do more of these

[@vimalavasan2239]

Stuff like Vice will come and go- but the National Geographic will always be the gold standard of quality content and production.

[@VintagebyMitzi]

what a guy! Thanks for sharing his inspiring years. WOW it really is about attitude.

[@SG-ql7gq]

As soon as he said "I speak Aramaic" I knew he was a Christian from Iraq

[@barryirlandi4217]

Lord Neptune or Syria... Come on... It would have taken me two guesses

[@Hypatia4242]

Really? I was thinking Egypt. My lab partner was an Egyptian Christian who could read Aramaic.

[@SG-ql7gq]

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.

[@SG-ql7gq]

Hypatia4242 Yes I know, there are a lot Christian Egyptians and their language is Coptic which is a near relative to Aramaic.

[@TheAhmedvienna]

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..

[@sahilprashar567]

wonderful guy wonderful family,,kids are lovely,, nice documentary

[@ledina162]

Estaifan you are a champion of the life and an exemple for all.

[@aybeedoll83]

They are so Lucky to have found each other. They are perfect together.

[@samuelbehfarshad2892]

An amazing story for an amazing person.

[@sicparvismagna9110]

It didn't matter what you lost but what matters is what born from that pain and struggle Your legacy

[@sayedrahman1288]

Every taxi driver can give you a reason what America means to them. As a former cabbie the best part of the job was meeting ambitious, energetic, and full of life people everyday.

[@elsieester6075]

What a beautiful story... all the blessings fir the whole family! Amen

[@mohammedalshehri6647]

Wow what an amazing man. This video actually made want to get married.

[@TitanikGirl]

Sheh rimb love is everything!

[@michael7324]

I would love to meet this guy.

[@AZUL81515]

He Is a true Champion ... I got a similar story but I'm more bless cause all my family is here ... in the BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD ... God Bless the USA

[@vstm3950]

man like a man, thousands like him. what is so amazing here I don't get. long live in health anyway sir. I dont mean anything bad for you