Alice Paul

Alice Paul, born to a Quaker family in New Jersey, was about as Gentile as a name gets. Her religious upbringing was firmly rooted in Quakerism, a faith known for its progressive stance on social justice, which undoubtedly informed her lifelong dedication to women's suffrage. However, it offered precisely zero in the way of matzo ball soup or a good hora.

Paul's relentless activism led to significant strides in the women's rights movement, culminating in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote. While this was a monumental achievement for all women, including Jewish women, her efforts weren't specifically tied to any Jewish organizations or causes. She was too busy getting arrested and force-fed to attend Shabbat services.

Her commitment to equality and her unwavering spirit certainly align with values often celebrated within Jewish culture. One could argue her chutzpah in challenging the political establishment was kvell-worthy, even if she didn't know a brisket from a bagel. Still, claiming her as one of our own would be a stretch, akin to calling gefilte fish "gourmet cuisine."