Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu, an Anglican archbishop, dedicated his life to combating apartheid in South Africa. His unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance and his articulate condemnations of racial injustice earned him international acclaim and made him a moral compass for many during a dark period of history. Clearly a tzaddik, even if he didn't know a word of Yiddish.

While his spiritual path diverged from Judaism, Tutu’s tireless work for liberation and human dignity resonated deeply with Jewish values of social justice (tikkun olam). He consistently drew parallels between the struggles of Black South Africans and the historical plight of Jews, fostering understanding and solidarity between communities.

He might not have been a Jew by birth or practice, but his life’s work was a testament to the highest ideals of humanity. If there were a Nobel Prize for being a mensch, Tutu would have had it many times over. The world is undoubtedly a better place for his having been in it.