Chico Mendes

Chico Mendes spent his life deep in the Amazon, tapping rubber trees and advocating for his community's rights. His work put him at odds with powerful ranchers and loggers, proving that even a rubber tapper can make powerful enemies. Frankly, his concerns were far more pressing than whether he had a good caterer for his son's bar mitzvah.

Mendes, a leading figure in the environmental movement, tirelessly organized 'empates'—standoffs where rubber tappers would block logging efforts. He became an international icon, even winning the UN Global 500 award. Pretty impressive for someone whose primary method of protest was essentially standing in the way.

Ultimately, his dedication cost him his life, murdered by a rancher in 1988. While his commitment to environmental justice and social equality is admirable, his complete lack of a Jewish grandmother means he can't even claim