“Unbelievable. Despite the fact that this was exactly what I had asked for, I was stunned. Me, Moti Dabi – Here behold, in deep humility I stand – will be having lunch with the prime minister.”
The fact that he was born to parents who had immigrated to Eretz Israel from Iraq in the 1920s, triggered him to understand the meaning of vision and the way one should see the future. The fact that he was the ninth child in a family of ten children, taught him how to stand his ground and be resolute about his own decisions. The pleasant nature and devotion of his mother, who lovingly managed their home with care, made him into a man who knows how to bring people together. His father’s strictness alongside his understanding and tolerance which he exhibited toward his children’s mischievousness, showed him the subtle balance between demands and endearment.
And when Moti Dabi combined all that he had learned and absorbed in his childhood with his natural gifts, the opportunities he met and the understanding granted him by his wife and children – there were no boundaries to what he could achieve. And he doubtlessly achieved.
His book, Taking Off, is not only the story of a life. It is an inspiring story for young people, a guidebook for managers and a thought-provoking book for anyone who wants to learn about decision-making processes in the kind of complex situations that the author has experienced.
I read it, I liked it, and I was even moved. An impressive life story, sensitive and fascinating – Zionistic, Israeli, and ethical. Moti Dabi’s personal story is intertwined with the story of Israel, the ingathering of the exiles, austerity, war and peace, building, economy, and infrastructures combined with boundless success. The is a story replete with modesty and humility that cannot conceal Moti’s endeavor as manager, leader and a man of vision, a man who could see the future with two feet on the ground and two hands holding the steering wheel. A moving book about a man who was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but with will power and a unique ability to navigate toward any goal that he set for himself. He took off and reached the sky, and today can look back with satisfaction at the path he had taken and his achievements. He has my full admiration!
Major-general (ret.) Amos Yadlin, former head of the Institute for National Security Studies and former chief of military intelligence.

The life story of Moti Dabi is a role model. The book is an interesting biography, written clearly and fluently, and is even moving. It carries an overt message which includes tips to every manager. The roles he fulfilled over a fifty-year period required him to cope with a variety of managerial challenges. Moti shares his experiences with his readers, and mainly the lessons he learned and the wise advice he can offer. In addition, the book has a covert message which is Moti’s character as it is reflected in his life story, the way he coped with difficulties and mainly his ability to create extraordinary relationships with both his managers and his subordinates.
A man with positive energy and optimism that sweeps all those who come in contact with him.
A power that in my view will capture anyone who reads the book.
Major-general (ret.) Giora Eiland, former head of the Israeli National Security Council and former head of the Planning Department of the Israel Defense Forces.