Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom, born Cornelia Arnolda Johanna ten Boom, was a Dutch watchmaker who, alongside her family, turned her home into a refuge for Jews and resistance fighters during World War II. Her family, deeply religious and active in their community, believed it was their Christian duty to protect those persecuted by the Nazis, especially their Jewish neighbors. This commitment was less about converting anyone and more about, you know, basic human decency. They even built a secret room, quite literally, to facilitate their efforts.

Eventually, the ten Boom family was betrayed and arrested by the Gestapo. Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. While Betsie tragically died there, Corrie survived, a testament to her unwavering faith and resilience, and perhaps a touch of good fortune that wasn't afforded to millions of others. She was released due to a clerical error, proving that even totalitarian regimes are not immune to bureaucratic blunders.

After the war, Corrie dedicated her life to sharing her story, emphasizing forgiveness and the power of love over hate. She became a prominent speaker and author, with her book "The Hiding Place" becoming a beloved classic. Her efforts posthumously earned her the title of "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem, a distinction usually reserved for those who, unlike some other historical figures, didn't spend their time trying to eradicate entire populations.

In short, while not Jewish by any stretch of the imagination, Corrie ten Boom earned her K-score through actions that saved many lives, proving that sometimes, the best kvell-worthiness comes from selfless heroism rather than any particular lineage.