There are people whose life’s work leaves a mark on our collective conscience, and Medea Benjamin is one of those rare individuals. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Medea for nearly a decade, and every single interaction has deepened my admiration for her. Her unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity isn’t a performance — it’s who she is at her core.
Even though I can’t always be physically present due to being on dialysis, my support for her and the work she leads at CODEPINK never wavers. If anything, standing back and watching her courageous efforts from afar has only strengthened the respect I carry for her. I often wish I could join her at every protest, every rally, every Capitol Hill action. But even when I’m not there in person, my heart is right alongside her.
Medea Benjamin has spent more than 50 years fighting for justice across continents. She’s the co-founder of the women-led peace group CODEPINK, an organization that continues to be a bold voice against war and oppression. She’s also the co-founder of Global Exchange, the Peace in Ukraine Coalition, Unfreeze Afghanistan, the Alliance for Cuba Engagement and Respect, and many other humanitarian efforts. Her work spans Ukraine, Palestine, Afghanistan, Gaza, Cuba, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and beyond — always guided by compassion and moral clarity.
Medea is a writer, organizer, educator, and relentless human rights advocate. With 11 books to her name, including Drone Warfare and NATO: What You Need to Know, she continues to challenge harmful policies and elevate the voices of people who are too often ignored. She has taken risks, traveled to conflict zones, confronted world leaders, and stood on the frontlines of movements for peace.
Despite facing arrests, beatings, deportations, and hostility from governments around the world, she never stopped. She never slowed down. She never abandoned her mission. That level of courage — that level of heart — is what makes her so extraordinary.
When I think of Medea, I think of someone whose life is rooted in love for humanity. Someone who shows up even when the world looks dark. Someone who uses her voice for people who have none. Someone who inspires countless others, including me.
So today, I simply want to say this:
Thank you, Medea Benjamin. You are our hero.
For anyone who wants to learn more about her powerful work, please visit CODEPINK.org — the organization she helped build, and a reflection of her enduring legacy of peace.
👉 https://www.codepink.org/medea_benjamin
About Dr. Mike Ghouse
Dr. Ghouse is the President and founder of the Center for Pluralism and director of the World Muslim Congress. He is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and a Muslim Wedding Officiant. He is a Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and social scientist. More on Google