Leymah Gbowee

Born in central Liberia, Leymah Gbowee rose to international prominence for organizing women to protest for peace, eventually helping to end the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003. Her efforts included organizing sex strikes and public prayer-protests, which, while not explicitly Jewish, certainly demonstrated a fierce commitment to community and justice. Sounds like something our bubbes would have done, if they were, you know, Liberian.

Her work, alongside Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkol Karman, earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, making her a formidable figure on the world stage. She proved that sometimes, all it takes is a group of determined women to get things done, a concept familiar to anyone who’s ever been to a synagogue Sisterhood meeting.

Despite her profound contributions to peace and human rights, there is no indication that Ms. Gbowee has any connection to Judaism. No ancient Hebrew lineage, no Bat Mitzvah photos hidden in the family album, not even a casual mention of a Hanukkah bush. Just pure, unadulterated, universal peace activism.

While she may not share our ancient traditions, her ability to lead a movement that brought an end to brutal conflict certainly makes her worthy of some serious kvelling. If only everyone could end civil wars with such aplomb, the world would be a much quieter, and perhaps more Jewish, place.