Throughout history, we’ve been captivated by stories of heroes—those remarkable individuals whose courage and selflessness leave an enduring mark on the world. These heroes come from all walks of life, contributing in grand and small ways. Whether legendary warriors or contemporary activists, their legacies remind us that anyone can make a meaningful difference, regardless of their background. Even the most minor actions can ripple through history, shaping the future in ways we might never fully realize.
Ancient Heroes
Let’s begin with a classic example: The Book of Exodus. This isn’t just a historical text—it’s an epic narrative filled with drama, suspense, and real-life heroes whose actions still resonate today. While the big names like Moses and Aaron are well-known, the lesser-known figures often captivate me.
Take the midwives Shifra and Puah, for instance. They were the original rebels with a cause. When Pharaoh ordered them to kill Hebrew baby boys, they quietly but firmly refused, standing up to the Pharaoh’s power with unwavering resolve. Imagine the courage it took to defy such a ruler! Their bravery wasn’t just about saving lives but about making a profound statement that every life is valuable, even in the face of tyranny.
“When you deliver the Hebrew women, and you see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall put him to death, but if it is a daughter, she may live.”
— Exodus 1:17-21“The midwives, however, feared God, so they did not do as the king of Egypt had spoken to them, but they enabled the boys to live. So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said, ‘Why have you done this thing that you have enabled the boys to live?’”
— Exodus 1:17-21
And then there’s Pharaoh’s daughter, whose compassion led her to rescue Moses from the Nile, a decision that changed the course of history.
“Pharaoh’s daughter went down to bathe in the Nile, and her maidens were walking along the Nile, and she saw the basket in the midst of the marsh, and she sent her maidservant, and she took it. She opened it, and she saw him, the child, and behold, he was a weeping lad, and she had compassion on him, and she said, ‘This is one of the children of the Hebrews.’”
— Exodus 2:5-6“She bestowed upon him the name Moses, declaring, ‘For I drew him from the water,’ as expressed in the Hebrew phrase ‘min hamayim mishitihu.’”
— Exodus 2:10
As our Passover Haggadah gently reminds us, these unnamed heroes played a crucial role. Their unseen sacrifices and brave actions are the reason we, our children, and our children’s children are no longer slaves in Egypt.
“These are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt” (Exodus 1:1).
In Hebrew, it’s beautifully expressed as: “אֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל…” (שמות א:א).
This passage reminds us that even the most minor, anonymous acts of courage can change the course of history. It makes me wonder—what seemingly small acts of bravery are happening around us today, quietly altering the future in ways we can’t yet see?
Modern Heroes
Recently, I’ve been deeply moved by the stories of modern-day heroes like Juan Pujol García. Born in Portugal, his bravery in working as a double agent during World War II is a testament to the power of wit and strategy. Imagine the tension of World War II—nations teetering on the brink, every move crucial.
Pujol’s daring idea to feed false information to the Nazis wasn’t just brave—it was genius. He earned their trust to the point where they sent him on a mission to Britain, believing he was on their side. But Pujol had something else in mind. On English soil, he wove a complex web of lies, creating an entire network of fake English double agents. Can you imagine the nerve it took to pull that off?
As “Agent Garbo,” Pujol didn’t just trick the German High Command once or twice—he did it multiple times, each deception more elaborate than the last. Picture rows of balloon tanks and planes that never took off, all part of his plan to mislead the Germans about the Allies’ next move. His story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s courage and cleverness can truly shape history.
Similarly, when I watched Simone, Woman of the Century, a documentary about Simone Veil, I was struck by her resilience and determination. Veil’s journey began with the innocence of a happy childhood in a secular Jewish family, a stark contrast to the horrors she would later endure. When her family was arrested and deported to Auschwitz during World War II, her world was shattered. Yet, even in the darkest times, Veil’s spirit never broke.
The documentary highlighted the milestones that marked her incredible life. After surviving the concentration camp, she returned to France, where she earned a law degree, raised a family, and embarked on a groundbreaking political career. One moment that particularly resonated with me was her courageous fight to secure legal abortion rights in France—a predominantly Catholic country—demonstrating her unwavering commitment to women’s rights.
As the first president of the European Parliament, Veil’s work to prevent the conflicts that had long plagued Europe reminded me of the power of leadership driven by personal experience and deep conviction. Her life is not just a chapter in history; it’s a source of inspiration for anyone who values justice, equality, and remembrance.
Simone Veil’s story is a poignant reminder of what it means to persevere, to lead, and to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. Her legacy continues to inspire me, particularly in the ongoing fight for gender equality and the preservation of Holocaust memory, which remains as relevant today as ever.
Celebrating Unsung Heroes
When I think about heroes, I realize many don’t seek recognition. They’re the ones who quietly make a difference, often without expecting anything in return. Their bravery, selflessness, and commitment leave an indelible mark on history. We should celebrate these unsung heroes, learn from their examples, and strive to positively impact the world.
Reflecting on these stories, I’m reminded of the unsung heroes in my life—those who have shown me kindness, stood up for what’s right, or simply been there when I needed them most. They might not make the history books, but their impact on my life is immeasurable.
Who are the heroes in your life? Are there people around you whose quiet acts of courage and kindness have made a difference?
Footnotes:
- Rabbi Shipell. “Weekly Torah Seminar.” Lockdown University, Lockdown University, info@lockdownuniversity.org.