Being Pro-Semitic: Purell!

What got you through COVID?

What product did you purchase so much more during COVID than you’d ever purchased before?

Besides masks. That’s right – Purell! So here’s the story:

In 1946, Jewish-Americans Goldie and Jerry Lippman founded a little company they called, GOJO Industries in Akron, Ohio, where they developed and manufactured their product, a hand sanitizer, now a common household and industrial name – Purell.

GOJO, purchased since by The Clorox Company, continues to manufacture and distribute Purell, the much sought after hand sanitizer that has become the generic name for hand sanitizers (like Jello and Kleenex).

Thank you, Goldie and Jerry Lippman, for giving us that container of germ-killing gel we use after we touch the elevator button, the door handles and the playground or exercise equipment!

Joel Herman submittal sourced: Akron (OH) Jewish News (May, 2026)
https://www.gojo.com/en-CA/INT-Newsroom/Media-News/2022/The-PURELL-Story-Our-10-Year-Overnight-Success

Photo credit: Jerry Brodsky’s household supply of Purell, et al.

Proud of the contributions Jewish men and women have made in our world! If you have a nomination and information about their contribution to our world, send your submission to today, and show us your Jewish pride!

Jerry Brodsky is chair of FJMC’s Inclusion Initiative, president of the International Region and a member of KIO+ Region.