Jeff Bezos Speaks About His Cuban Father Before the US Congress

August 1, 2020

The billionaire and founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, told the United States Congress the life story of his Cuban father. Likewise, this emotional moment was recently recorded during a meeting between Bezos and members of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law of Congress.

Therefore, during his intervention the businessman wanted to share his own story starting with that of his own origins. Consequently, Jeff Bezos spoke about the life of his Cuban father and the fundamental role he has played in his life.

Bezos recounted that Miguel, his father, adopted him when he was 4 years old, and since then has been a true role model. "He adopted me when I was four years old. He was 16 years old when he arrived in the United States from Cuba as part of Operation Pedro Pan," he said.

Next, Jeff Bezos recounted how, being so young, his father arrived in an unknown country in search of a better life. As a result, he mentioned the various difficulties that he faced and how through effort and dedication he overcame them one by one.

"My dad arrived alone in America… His parents felt he would be safer here," he commented. Furthermore, he recalled that he came from a very modest family and that to protect himself from the cold his dad arrived with a humble, but also valuable jacket.

"His mother imagined that the United States would be cold, so she made him a jacket sewn completely from cleaning cloths," he said. Undoubtedly, this garment has great sentimental value for the family, so he confessed that they still keep it hanging in his parents' dining room.

Also, Jeff Bezos narrated that upon arriving in the United States his father was in a refugee center in Florida where he stayed for two weeks. Next, he was transferred to a Catholic mission in Wilmington, Delaware, but at that time he did not know how to speak any English, making his journey even more difficult.

However, the businessman also noted that one of his dad's main virtues is determination and this did not prevent him from moving forward. All his dedication resulted in obtaining a scholarship to the University in Albuquerque, where he met his future wife.

In recalling this moment, Jeff Bezos expressed that his father and his mother have been incredible role models for both him and his siblings.

Apart from speaking about his Cuban father, Jeff Bezos remembered his mother, who also had to face difficulties during her teenage years. Likewise, he highlighted the fact that at 17 years old and while in high school she became pregnant, which was very difficult in that era.

Nevertheless, this was not a hindrance for her to move forward and as a result she managed to graduate from high school, despite the difficulties. Next, she attended night school and classes that allowed her to attend in the company of her baby, thus overcoming many trials.

Furthermore, Jeff Bezos revealed that both his father and his mother are co-authors of all the achievements he has managed to reach during his life. Likewise, he recalled the fundamental role they played in the formation of one of the most important companies in the world, Amazon.