Dona Gracia Saved Worlds

In 16th-century Portugal, even Dona Gracia’s Jewish name was a secret. But she and her merchant husband were rich and powerful, and wished to help others, giving treasures to the king to protect other secret Jews during the Inquisition. When her husband died, many said no woman would be able to run their powerful business, but Dona Gracia did. Escaping Portugal, she helped other Jews do the same, smuggling them out of the country on her spice ships in the night. Only in Turkey was she finally able to live freely as a Jew, and to use her wealth and power to build synagogues, hospitals, and schools. Dona Gracia saved worlds.