Eva Marie Saint, Born Quaker, Found ‘Exodus’ in Jewish Stories

Eva Marie Saint, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in *On the Waterfront* and *North by Northwest*, was born into a Quaker family in Newark. Her early life reflected the Quaker commitment to peace and social justice, particularly during and after World War II, when the Religious Society of Friends was deeply involved in aiding Jews fleeing persecution in Europe. This historical engagement with Jewish communities aligned with Quaker principles of compassion and advocacy for the oppressed.

However, by 1951, Saint’s personal journey diverged from the official stance of the Quaker community. That year, she married Jeffrey Hayden, a Jewish television director and producer, marking a significant shift in her life and beliefs. This union occurred amid a period of tension between Quakers and Jewish communities, as Quaker involvement with Jewish organizations during the Holocaust had been largely suspended due to conflicts arising from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Quaker pacifism and traditional Christian theology, which historically minimized Jewish presence in the Middle East, created a complex relationship with Israeli nationalist aspirations.

The Quaker stance during this time was characterized by a policy of “balanced partiality,” which sought to maintain neutrality between Israeli authorities and Arab populations. This approach, while intended to avoid taking sides, was later criticized by some historians, including Nancy Gallagher, who suggested it may have compromised the historic alliance between Quakers and Jewish organizations. Saint, however, did not adhere to this policy. Instead, she embraced a deeper connection to Jewish culture and identity, as seen in her early career work that explored Jewish themes.

Saint’s portrayal of Jewish characters in television and theater reflected her growing appreciation for Jewish heritage and storytelling. One notable example was her role in Paddy Chayefsky’s 1954 television production *Middle of the Night*, which centered on a romance between a Jewish garment manufacturer and his young receptionist. Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination, and the play’s Broadway adaptation featured Edward G. Robinson, whose portrayal of the Jewish character was widely acclaimed.

Saint’s personal and professional life exemplified a commitment to cross-cultural understanding and empathy, values that resonate with Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Her life and work serve as a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives in the pursuit of peace and justice.

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