In memory of Cora Weiss (1934–2025) "Sorrows come not single spies, but in battalions"

Cora’s immense legacy spans over six decades of tireless advocacy. She was deeply involved at TNI, forming close friendships with many of our key fellows and staff. She was instrumental in shaping TNI’s mission, its internationalism and its partnerships with grassroots movements, and challenging systems of inequality and militarism. 

Cora’s activism began early in life. One of her most formative roles was as a national leader of Women Strike for Peace during the Vietnam War. As a young political activist, Cora’s participation marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to people power. She was a vocal leader in calling for nuclear disarmament and social justice, helping to lay the foundation for future feminist peace movements across the globe. 

Cora served as a tireless advocate for nuclear disarmament and the protection of human rights. She was a key voice in challenging the U.S. military-industrial complex and in opposing the invasions of Vietnam and Iraq, and served as president of the Hague Appeal for Peace, as well as the UN Representative of the International Peace Bureau. She was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize multiple times. 

Cora, Peter and Sam’s tireless efforts together were pivotal in making TNI an essential voice for change. Cora played a major role in guiding the Samuel Rubin Foundation, which was established by her father, to support social justice, international cooperation, and progressive movements. Under her influence, the foundation became known for funding grassroots organizations and global peace initiatives. Their guidance and support sustained TNI for many decades.

Above all, Cora’s legacy was marked by her extraordinary ability to connect with people—from seasoned diplomats to young activists—and to inspire hope and action. She leaves behind an enduring blueprint for how peace must be built—through solidarity, understanding, and an uncompromising commitment to justice. 

Her passing is a tremendous loss not only to TNI but to movements for peace and justice everywhere. We will continue to carry forward her work and we take comfort in knowing that the values she held dear will guide us in the years to come.

‘There are people who are a force for good, and there is Cora Weiss, who is in a league of her own. I say "is" because although she has just died a the age 91 she lives on in so many of us, and so many of the causes she backed: the struggle for peace and the influence and rights of women especially. I last saw her in action on the ground at the World Social Forum in Nairobi in 2007, and can hear her voice now: ambitious, realistic and practical. Making change happen was her hallmark’ said Anthony Barnett, a writer and founding fellow of TNI. 

‘First, you have impressions of Cora Weiss from people who knew her well, like Basker Vashee, as a woman of positive power. Then I met her and saw her in action as the President of the Hague Appeal for Peace in May 1999 – a great global convergence for Peace. Cora, together with so many others from movements, governments, and the UN had been the inspiration behind the convergence. She said "the idea was to start the steps and sow the seeds for the abolition of war, to declare peace a human right and to design a culture of peace, not for a year or a decade, but forever". This was Cora the big thinker, the indomitable campaigner and that is how I like to remember her and the challenging legacy she has passed to all of us - in this era of the Genocide in Palestine and the multiple wars around our planet. She was also a woman of great charm and hospitality - and the inseparable companion and loving partner of Peter’ said Brid Brennan, a researcher and activist at the Transnational Institute.

In her last interview for TNI in 2024, Cora had this advice: ‘You’ve got to keep going. Keep going because the world is at stake. Keep going. Keep doing. Never give up.’ 

Cora is remembered by her children Judy, Tamara and Danny. 

Rest in peace, Cora, and thank you for everything.