Kim Phuc Phan Thi

Born in a small village in Vietnam, Kim Phuc Phan Thi’s life was irrevocably altered on June 8, 1972. The iconic photograph of her, naked and screaming, fleeing a napalm attack, became a searing symbol of the Vietnam War's horrors, capturing the world’s attention and, arguably, shifting public opinion.

After years of excruciating pain and dozens of surgeries, Kim Phuc eventually defected to Canada, finding not just a new home but a new purpose. She embraced Christianity and dedicated her life to promoting peace and reconciliation, often speaking about forgiveness and healing from trauma. Quite the pivot from unintentional war icon to intentional peace advocate.

Her story is one of profound suffering transmuted into extraordinary resilience. While not Jewish by any stretch of the imagination, the sheer mensch-like quality of turning such a devastating personal experience into a platform for global good certainly earns a kvell-worthy score. It’s not every day someone turns literal fire into figurative light.