“The Woman in Pink”: Who Medea Benjamin, Activist Confronting U.S. Leaders for Supporting Israel?
American peace activist Medea Benjamin continues her campaign to hold Israel accountable, from denouncing pro-Israel senators and leading global anti-war protests to writing articles condemning its Gaza offensive and far-right policies.
Who is “The Woman in Pink”?
Born Susan Benjamin on September 10, 1952, in New York to a Jewish family, she later changed her name to Medea — inspired by the famed Greek myth — during her first year in college.
Before graduating, Medea traveled through several African and European countries with a student democracy group, spending years teaching English. She later returned to the U.S., completed her studies, and earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University and another in Economics from The New School in New York.
@meem.magazine أربـ.ـكت جلسات الكـ.ونغرس وأقـ.ـضت مـ.ـضـ.ـجع بن غفـ.ـير.. ميديا بنجامين، بردائها الوردي وصوتها الحر، تهـ.ـزّ أقـ.ـوى القـ.ـادة السيـ.ـاسـ.ـيين وتعيد تعريف الشـ.ـجـ.ـاعة السـ.ـيـ.ـاسـ.ـية.. ماذا تعرف عنها؟ #مجلة_ميم #غزة فلسطين! #ترامب
Career Path
In 1988, Medea and her husband co-founded Global Exchange, an organization that advocates for fair trade alternatives in the era of globalization.
Her most significant impact, however, began in 2002, when she co-founded the feminist peace organization CODEPINK.
CODEPINK
According to the group’s definition, CODEPINK is a grassroots feminist organization working to end war and U.S. imperialism, support peace initiatives and human rights, and redirect resources toward healthcare, education, green jobs, and other life-affirming programs. These programs are considered investments in human dignity rather than destruction. The group also advocates for universal healthcare including abortion rights, income-independent access to education, and considers housing a fundamental human right.
Advocacy for Palestine
Medea didn’t wait for over 28,000 Palestinians to die before speaking out. She has been a vocal supporter of Gaza and critic of Israeli aggression. She frequently reacts publicly to events in Gaza, condemning each Israeli attack.
Additionally, she has denounced U.S. efforts to defund UNRWA, protested against American military aid to Israel, and stood in opposition to Israeli policy, especially regarding Gaza.
Voice Against War
Medea Benjamin has become a thorn in the side of U.S. policymakers, particularly those involved in Middle Eastern conflicts. Her most recent protests include opposing the Israeli assault on Gaza and condemning U.S. strikes in Yemen.
Photos from her X (formerly Twitter) account show CODEPINK members attending a congressional hearing on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, with red-painted hands symbolizing the U.S. leadership’s role in bloodshed.
She also supports congressional members opposing the war on Gaza, as seen in a photo with Representative Mark Pocan, where she praised him for calling for a ceasefire and supporting funding for UNRWA.
A recent video shows Medea and CODEPINK members protesting the 70 U.S. senators who voted to continue supporting Israel militarily.
Her activism isn’t limited to the Middle East. She has also opposed U.S. funding for Ukraine in its war with Russia, stating:
“Many Americans do not support funding Ukraine.”
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